Tell Senate ENR: Pass the America the Beautiful Act as Written

This Wednesday (6/17), the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee will mark up the bipartisan America the Beautiful Act (S. 1547). 

BHA is urging committee members to advance this bill without amendments. 

With 32 Republicans, one Independent, and 31 Democrats cosponsors, the America the Beautiful Act represents the kind of bipartisan conservation success that has become all too rare in Washington. The bill would reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund, which expired in 2025, and helps address the nearly $44 billion maintenance backlog across our public lands. 

Support for this effort continues to grow in both the Senate and the House. Last week, House Natural Resources Committee leaders highlighted companion legislation, the Great American Outdoors Act 250, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. 

BHA members have been helping lead the charge on this legislation over the past year. Last week, our Arkansas chapter leaders attended the House hearing in support of the legislation and during our spring BHA Fly-In, Idaho chapter leaders and BHA CEO Ryan "Cal" Callaghan met with Senators Risch and Crapo to discuss the importance of reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund. Since then, both senators have signed on as cosponsors. 

While the America the Beautiful Act has earned overwhelming bipartisan support, BHA is concerned of the possibility that poison-pill amendments could be offered during Wednesday's markup that threaten the coalition behind this bill. Hunters and anglers need senators to stand behind the legislation as introduced and reject efforts to weaken or derail this important conservation investment. 

Tell Senate ENR members to support the America the Beautiful Act and advance it exactly as introduced.