WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, John Boozman, Alex Padilla, Steve Daines, and Jeanne Shaheen introduced the bipartisan Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites (STARS) Act. The bill celebrates America’s 250th birthday by designating September 17, 2026 as a fee-free day at sites managed by the National Park System, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Reclamation.
“Celebrate America’s 250th birthday by coming together to enjoy our treasured public lands and the great outdoors,” said Hickenlooper. “Honor our past and inspire our future!”
“Our national parks provide a unique opportunity for citizens and visitors from around the world to experience as well as explore quintessentially American landscapes and historical sites,” said Boozman. “Fostering appreciation for our country’s rich natural beauty is a fitting way to help celebrate 250 years of the United States. Our bill will expand that access to current and future enthusiasts while extending the benefits of outdoor education and adventure.”
“As a member of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, I’m committed to finding ways to come together to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday next year,” said Padilla. “It’s in that spirit that I’m co-leading this bipartisan legislation so that millions of Americans can enjoy our treasured public lands for free on Constitution Day and Citizenship Day 2026.”
Bill text of the STARS Act is available here.
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