Bill > HR4604

This bill amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to collect a surcharge from international visitors entering U.S. National Parks. Specifically, the bill defines international visitors as nonimmigrant individuals entering the U.S. on tourist visas or under the Visa Waiver Program, and allows park superintendents to establish a separate surcharge for these visitors at each national park unit. The surcharge amount should be designed to maximize revenue while maintaining international visitation levels. The bill requires that these additional fees be collected separately from standard entrance fees and visa fees, and specifies that all proceeds will be retained by the specific national park where they are collected, to be used for maintenance, visitor services, staffing, and related needs. There are two key exceptions to the surcharge: it cannot be applied to the Washington Monument, and it cannot be charged to nationals of countries with which the U.S. has an International Peace Park management agreement. The bill also mandates a similar surcharge for National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes sold to international visitors, with those proceeds to be deposited into the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4604/all-info