The top Democratic senator overseeing National Park Service funding launched an inquiry Wednesday into the Trump administration’s request for millions of dollars to cover extra expenses from its massive July Fourth celebrations.
Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, the ranking member on the Interior and the Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, sent a letterto Interior Secretary Doug Burgum calling it “unacceptable” for taxpayer funds to cover any cost overages for last month’s festivities, which included the Great American State Fair on the National Mall and a fireworks show.
The Office and Management and Budget asked appropriators last week for more money to “recoup” costs associated with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Senators are currently negotiating a bill to keep the government funded past September, after the House passed a version earlier this month that didn’t include the White House’s full wish list of increased funding for military health programs, national security systems, operations of national parks and other items.
Interior Department officials explained to Merkley’s office that the request included $10 million to reimburse the National Park Service for celebrations on the National Mall, according to the senator’s letter.
