The Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a legislative hearing on Mar. 26 to discuss four bills aimed at protecting American battlefield sites, improving forest management partnerships, and restoring motorized recreation access on federal roads and trails.
These legislative efforts are considered important for preserving public lands and ensuring their use by future generations. The proposed bills focus on conservation, safety standards, increased public access, and stronger collaboration between federal authorities and local communities.
Subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany said, "One thing is certain: preserving, protecting and managing our public lands is critical to ensuring American prosperity for generations to come. Today, the Subcommittee on Federal Lands heard important legislation that will conserve our nation's history, enact proper safety standards, expand access and foster collaboration between federal authorities and local communities."
The four bills discussed include H.R. 7618—the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2026—introduced by Representative Jen Kiggans to reauthorize the program in celebration of America’s 250th birthday; H.R. 7951—the Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act—introduced by Representative David Valadao to allow non-federal partners more time to manage fire-prone forests through agreements up to twenty years; H.R. 7979—the Public Lands Access Restoration Act—introduced by Representative Jeff Crank to restore an “open unless posted closed” policy for roads and trails managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management; and H.R. 6778—the Parkway Safety and Reinvestment Act—introduced by Representative Donald Beyer allowing the Secretary of the Interior to issue citations from speed cameras with funds directed toward highway maintenance within the National Park System.
The subcommittee's actions highlight ongoing efforts in Congress to address land conservation while balancing recreation opportunities with safety measures.
