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Hearing Analysis
Overview
The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing on February 10, 2026, titled "All in for America250: Public-Private Partnerships Supporting America’s Semiquincentennial on our Public Lands." Chaired by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ-9), the hearing examined the role of congressionally chartered foundations and nonprofit partners in preparing for the nation’s 250th anniversary. While the majority focused on the success of philanthropic efforts and infrastructure improvements, the minority and several witnesses raised sharp concerns regarding the "Freedom 250" initiative, alleging it facilitates political "pay-to-play" schemes and the "whitewashing" of American history.
Chairman Gosar opened the hearing by emphasizing the importance of volunteers and donors in maintaining public lands, noting that federal tax dollars alone are insufficient. He highlighted the work of the National Park Foundation (NPF) and the National Forest Foundation (NFF) in his home state of Arizona, specifically citing trail restoration in the Grand Canyon and wildfire resilience projects in the Tonto National Forest. Full Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR-4) echoed these sentiments, framing the 250th anniversary as a "great anniversary festival" that requires robust public-private cooperation to preserve national treasures for future generations.
In stark contrast, Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA-2) and Subcommittee Ranking Member Maxine Dexter (D-OR-3) characterized the administration’s "Freedom 250" initiative as a "transactional" grift. Rep. Dexter alleged that Freedom 250, structured as a Delaware-based LLC under the NPF, is selling VIP access to President Trump for up to $2.5 million while shielding the identities of donors. She and Rep. Huffman further argued that the administration is using these funds to "sanitize" history by removing references to slavery and indigenous displacement from national park signage and exhibits.
Key Testimony
Jeff Reinbold, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation, testified that the NPF is committed to raising $250 million for the anniversary, building on $1 billion raised since 2019. Reinbold explained that Freedom 250 was created as a separate LLC at the request of the National Park Service (NPS) to manage events and programs, acting as a fiduciary agent for federal funds. He defended the structure as a way to keep anniversary event management distinct from the NPF’s core mission. However, under questioning from Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1), Reinbold acknowledged that the NPF is administering a $10 million transfer for "Freedom Trucks"—mobile history displays—at the direction of the NPS.
Alan Spears, Senior Director for Cultural Resources at the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), provided a critical perspective on the state of the NPS. He testified that the agency lost 25 percent of its permanent workforce—approximately 4,000 positions—in 2025 alone. Spears argued that these staffing cuts, combined with a "federal hiring freeze," have left the agency unable to fulfill its mandate. He specifically criticized the removal of "Life Under Slavery" interpretive panels at Independence National Historical Park and the removal of signage regarding indigenous removal at the Grand Canyon, calling it an effort to "soften and sanitize" the American narrative.
Other witnesses highlighted the tangible benefits of conservation partnerships. Dieter Fenkart-Froeschl, President and CEO of the National Forest Foundation, detailed the NFF’s goal to invest $250 million each into wildfire resilience, watershed restoration, and recreation. He noted that every dollar of federal appropriation to the NFF is matched by six dollars in private investment. Jeff Trandahl, Executive Director and CEO of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), discussed the foundation's $12 billion investment in conservation since 1984, including major corporate commitments from partners like McDonald's and Walmart. Will Glasco, CEO of Preservation Virginia, emphasized the importance of the Historic Preservation Fund and the unique partnership at Jamestown, where private and federal entities collaborate to interpret the "seeds of representative democracy."
Overview
The hearing featured several notable exchanges regarding the ideological framing of the anniversary. Chairman Westerman led a sequence of questions asking witnesses if they believed human rights come from the government or from God, citing the Declaration of Independence. This prompted a response from Rep. Val Hoyle (D-OR-4), who argued that the nation’s foundation is built on religious freedom and the rule of law, rather than a specific religious doctrine. Additionally, Rep. Huffman and Mr. Spears engaged in a detailed discussion about the removal of the word "stolen" from exhibits describing the Atlantic slave trade, with Spears arguing that such edits make history "bloodless" and "painless."
Policy Proposals
Policy discussions centered on the potential reauthorization of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) and the continued funding of the Historic Preservation Fund. Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT) discussed her "STARS Act" (H.R. 4285), which would waive entrance fees for federal lands on Constitution Day to encourage public engagement. Witnesses from the NPF and the Foundation for America’s Public Lands (FAPL) expressed support for initiatives that increase accessibility and community investment.
Overview
As the hearing concluded, the partisan divide remained clear. Republicans viewed the 250th anniversary as a moment for patriotic celebration and economic stimulus through tourism and private giving. Democrats and organizations like Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), represented by Executive Director Tim Whitehouse, called for greater transparency and oversight of the Freedom 250 LLC, warning that the mixing of public and private funds for "partisan propaganda" sets a dangerous precedent. No specific follow-up deadlines were set, but the committee indicated that oversight of the NPF’s fiduciary role and NPS staffing levels would remain a priority as the July 4, 2026, milestone approaches.
Transcript
The Committee on Oversight and Investigations will come to order. Without objection, the chair is authorized to declare a recess of the subcommittee at any time. The subcommittee is meeting today to hear testimony on "All in for America250: Public-Private Partnerships Supporting America’s Semiquincentennial on our Public Lands." Under committee rule 4(f), any oral opening statements at the hearing are limited to the chairman and the ranking member. I therefore ask unanimous consent that all the other members' statements be made part of the hearing record if they are submitted in accordance with committee rule 3(o). Without objection, so ordered. I ask unanimous consent that the following members be allowed to sit and participate in today's hearing. This is amazing because we never get this kind of participation. So, first is the gentleman from North Carolina, Mr. McDowell; the gentlewoman from Utah, Ms. Maloy; the gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Wittman; the gentleman from Iowa, Mr. Nunn; the gentlewoman from New Mexico, Ms. Stansbury; the gentlewoman from Oregon, Ms. Hoyle—I told you, I'll watch these people—gentlewoman from Washington, Ms. Randall; the gentlewoman from Arizona, Ms. Gallego; the gentleman from South Carolina, Mr. Clyburn; the gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Scott; the gentlewoman from Maine, Ms. Pingree; the gentleman from New York, Mr. Tonko; the gentlewoman from California, Ms. Chu; the gentleman from California, Mr. Takano; the gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Beyer; the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Garcia; the gentlewoman from California, Ms. Kamlager-Dove; gentlewoman from Hawaii, Ms. Tokuda. Anybody else that I missed? Okay, without objection, so ordered. I now recognize myself for my initial statement. Good morning, everybody. Great seeing some shiny faces and smiling faces out there. I'd like to thank all our witnesses for being here today, especially for those who have dedicated their careers to helping make some of the most spectacular places in America even better. Today we are here not only to officially kick off the celebration of America's 250th birthday, but we are also here to talk about the enduring philanthropic work the foundations and nonprofit partners have done to make our public lands even greater over the decades. As we celebrate 250 years of America's history, it is important to note that yes, our federal tax dollars are hard at work in ensuring these places continue to tell the story of America's treasured spaces. But much of this work is supported by volunteers and generous donors, sometimes a dollar at a time, others by large gifts, but either way, it creates a lasting legacy of a true American heritage we can all enjoy and be proud of. My home state of the great state of Arizona is home to some of our nation's most beautiful national parks, monuments, and recreation areas. From the Saguaro National Park in the Sonoran Desert, home to America's largest cacti, to Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and of course, one of the crown jewels of our national park system, the Grand Canyon, part of which is in my district. Arizona's public lands have been adored for generations and will continue to inspire Americans for years to come. The National Park Foundation has been an active supporter of Arizona's national parks and monuments, often in collaboration with local partners such as the Grand Canyon Conservancy. Projects these groups have completed include over 800 miles of trail restoration of Arizona's National Scenic Trail in the Grand Canyon, revegetation and rerouting of trails in Petrified Forest National Park, invasive species control and native plant restoration in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and waste reduction and educational programs throughout Arizona's parks. I'm even working with industry partners right now to clarify an air management plan that would allow for additional economic development across the northern half of the state. Four national forests in Arizona are currently working on one of the greatest collaborative efforts to restore the forests in the state. Through the collaboration of stakeholders, which includes groups like the National Forest Foundation and industry partners, the forest plans and carry out landscape-scale restoration of Ponderosa pine forests in northern Arizona while ensuring adequate management. As we approach this historic milestone of 250 years of American independence, we have an opportunity to highlight the ways that our history is written into the soil of this nation and recognize the collaborative efforts over the years to preserve that history. In my district, I have seen how the rugged landscapes of the West reflect our nation's journey and how stewarding them is essential to continue to tell the American story for the next 250 years and then some. We cannot overlook the economic vitality this anniversary will inject into the local communities surrounding these special places. As these celebrations continue, millions will travel not only to the events like this, but also to connect with nature and our shared cultural heritage. This means jobs for our constituents and vital support for small businesses that serve as the doorstep to our public lands and historical sites. This celebration requires significant preparation. This is not just patching cracks, but fortifying the stage for our nation's biggest birthday party to date. This work has been and is being done now, including upgrades to visitor centers and restoration of trails, campsites, and historical buildings to ensure accessibility to manage the surge in visitation we expect to see for America250. The foundations and nonprofits testifying here today help foster the public-private partnerships that play a key role in conserving and maintaining the national treasures of our public lands and historical sites. These groups and the people who staff them live and work in the places which are visited by millions of people every year, and their work helps to build grassroots engagement in their communities to ensure that these places are well-maintained and beautiful for all who travel to see them. This anniversary will serve as a launchpad, cultivating and captivating the next generation of stewards who will be responsible for conserving and protecting our cultural spaces and federal lands for the centuries to come. Thank you for coming today, and I now recognize Ranking Member Dexter for her opening statement. Oh, sorry. The ranking member of the full committee, Mr. Huffman of California, for his statement.
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