All in for America250: Public-Private Partnerships Supporting America’s Semiquincentennial

The House Committee on Natural Resources GOP held a hearing on February 11, 2026, titled "All in for America250: Public-Private Partnerships Supporting America’s Semiquincentennial." The meeting focused on the 250th anniversary of the United States and the role of public-private partnerships in supporting national parks, forests, and public lands. Key nonprofit organizations such as the National Park Foundation, National Forest Foundation, Foundation for America's Public Lands, and others testified about their philanthropic efforts, fundraising goals, and projects aimed at restoring and enhancing public lands. Discussions included the leveraging of federal funds with private donations, with the National Park Foundation aiming to raise $250 million for the anniversary and having raised over $1 billion since 2019. The hearing also addressed concerns about transparency and accountability related to Freedom 250, a subsidiary of the National Park Foundation, which has been criticized for selling VIP access and lacking clear oversight of funds, including potential foreign donations. Members debated the importance of truthful historical interpretation in national parks, with some expressing concern over the removal of signage related to slavery and indigenous history, and others emphasizing patriotic celebration. The hearing included calls for reauthorization of the Great American Outdoors Act and highlighted the need for continued investment in deferred maintenance and staffing for national parks. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were detailed, but the discussion underscored the significance of philanthropic partnerships and federal funding in supporting capital improvement and conservation projects across public lands.