WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, July 22, 2020, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) released the following statement on the passage of the bipartisan and bicameral Great American Outdoors Act:

“I am thrilled the House has overwhelmingly passed the Great American Outdoors Act. This bipartisan, bicameral, and landmark legislation is the most important conservation package in years, and will do incredible things for our economy, our public lands, and our country. The LWCF is a vital program that protects public lands and contributes millions to our economy, and I am pleased to see that it is now permanently authorized and funded. This landmark package also provides funding to address the large maintenance backlog in our parks, which will allow visitors to enjoy them for years to come. I’d like to thank Members of Congress, advocacy groups, and everyone else who fought hard to see this package head to the President’s desk to become law.”

Fitzpatrick has long championed for permanently funding the LWCF and protecting public lands. In September of 2018, Fitzpatrick spoke on the House floor calling on Congress to permanently reauthorize the LWCF. In November of 2018, Fitzpatrick joined a bipartisan and bicameral group of Members of Congress in a rally on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, joining conservation leaders and outdoor recreation advocates. In June of 2019, Fitzpatrick joined a bipartisan coalition of Members of the House of Representatives in introducing the Land and Water Conversation Fund Permanent Funding Act. In December of 2019, Fitzpatrick and Rep. Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) wrote an op-ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer that lawmakers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey must prioritize protecting national parks. In May of 2020, Fitzpatrick joined over 100 legislators to request strong funding in future COVID-19 economic relief legislation for federal programs that serve as the foundation of the outdoor recreation, a critical sector that provides jobs and economic support to communities across the country. In July 2020, Fitzpatrick and Penn Environment wrote an op-ed in The Intelligencer stressing the importance of protecting our parks.