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Smucker Supports Bipartisan Bill to Preserve Access, Provide Resources to National Parks

July 23, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC—Yesterday, Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) voted in favor of H.R. 1957 The Great American Outdoors Act. This legislation passed on a bipartisan vote of 310 to 107. Smucker released this statement following the vote:

"This bipartisan legislation provides the funding necessary to address the $20 billion worth of deferred maintenance at our national parks, forests, and other public lands. The bill also ensures that the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is permanently funded through energy development fees to help keep America clean and pristine. Pennsylvania is home to many widely-visited national parks and the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act will keep these popular destinations funded for years to come," said Smucker.

According to a study released in 2019 by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the outdoor recreational industry supported nearly 175,000 jobs and added nearly $13 billion to Pennsylvania's economy. In addition to conservation, H.R. 1957 will boost local economies by providing resources for recreation facilities and support local lodging, restaurants, and small businesses.

"I have long been a supporter of protecting public lands in Pennsylvania and across our nation. Earlier this Congress, I voted in support of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, which was signed into law on March 12, 2019. The law included dozens of stand-alone bills that protect our land and wildlife, including my legislation, the Susquehanna National Heritage Area Act (H.R. 262), which designated parts of the 11th Congressional District (Lancaster and York counties) as National Heritage Areas."