Protecting America’s Treasures by Raising Inflow from Overseas Tourists (PATRIOT) Parks Act

The PATRIOT Parks Act aims to address the multi-billion dollar maintenance backlog within the National Park System by implementing a new surcharge for international visitors. Under this proposal, foreign tourists would pay an additional fee at national parks that already charge for entry, while entrance fees for American citizens would remain at their current levels. The bill seeks to codify a previous executive order intended to ensure that overseas visitors contribute more directly to the preservation of American public lands.

If enacted, the revenue generated from these surcharges would be dedicated to the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund. These funds would be used specifically for repairing roads, trails, and visitor facilities that have seen increased wear due to record-breaking attendance. The legislation also provides local park leadership with the flexibility to adjust or pause these fees based on seasonal visitation patterns and local economic needs, while exempting certain sites like fee-collecting monuments in Washington, D.C.