Protecting America’s Treasures by Raising Inflow from Overseas Tourists (PATRIOT) Parks Act

Overview: HR 4604, the Protecting America's Treasures by Raising Inflow from Overseas Tourists (PATRIOT) Parks Act, was introduced in the House on July 22, 2025.

Purpose and Intent: The bill aims to increase funding for the maintenance and preservation of national parks by generating additional revenue from international tourists.

Key Provisions:
- Establishes a new "PATRIOT Parks Visa" that would be required for all non-U.S. citizens visiting national parks
- Sets the PATRIOT Parks Visa fee at $50 per person, with the revenue directed to a dedicated National Parks Maintenance Fund
- Directs the National Park Service to develop a comprehensive strategy to promote international tourism and market the new PATRIOT Parks Visa
- Requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on the effectiveness and impact of the PATRIOT Parks Visa program

Affected Parties and Impacts: The bill would primarily impact international visitors to U.S. national parks, who would be required to pay the new PATRIOT Parks Visa fee. The additional revenue generated would be used to address the growing maintenance backlog in national parks.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill has been introduced in the House and is currently awaiting committee assignment and further legislative action.