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By Sam Stevenson
Associate News Editor
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) and Juneteenth are among dates that would be restored as fee-free admission days at U.S. National Parks under a new legislative proposal.
The U.S. Department of the Interior told Newsweek it would not comment on proposed or pending congressional actions.
Why It Matters
It comes after the Trump administration removed these holidays—which honor Black history—from the parks' annual list of fee-free days, prompting significant public and legislative response.
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What To Know
Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, Ron Wyden of Oregon, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii and Adam Schiff of California have introduced the Encouraging Public Service in Our National Parks and Public Land Act.
The bill would codify six permanent fee-free days at all National Parks and federal lands: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday, the first day of National Park Week, Juneteenth, Great American Outdoors Day, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day.
The legislative proposal responds directly to changes made in November 2025, when the Trump administration removed MLK Day and Juneteenth from the annual fee-free calendar and added President Donald Trump's birthday—June 14, which coincides with Flag Day—instead.
Other new fee-free days included the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service, Constitution Day, and President Theodore Roosevelt's birthday. These changes will take effect beginning January 1, 2026.
The Trump administration also instituted higher fees for non-U.S. residents, requiring international visitors to pay a $100 fee to enter 11 of the most visited parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon, and raising the annual non-resident pass to $250.
U.S. residents continue to pay $80 for the annual pass, and free access on select days is now specific to citizens and permanent residents.
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What People Are Saying
Democratic Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon said: "It is practically embedded in the DNA of all Oregonians to be good stewards for our beautiful natural spaces. With this legislation, I hope to export Oregonians’ rich history of forest stewardship and support for outdoor economies, and I will continue to advocate for solutions that protect and expand access to our nation’s scenic public lands."
Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada said: "Free entry days were created as a way for our National Parks to encourage public service and volunteer work. It’s our national responsibility to protect and maintain our public lands – so let’s recommit to ensuring free entry days promote this patriotic act of service, not stroke the President’s ego."
Democratic Senator Adam Schiff of California said: "Donald Trump’s decision to remove Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the list of free-of-charge days at our national parks – while adding his own birthday – is a disturbing combination of his particularly divisive brand of politics with megalomania. I’m proud to work with Senator Cortez Masto to introduce this legislation to restore the holidays removed by the Trump administration and to make these free entrance days permanent."
Speaking about the recent changes to National Parks, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said: "President Trump's leadership always puts American families first. These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations."
What Happens Next
The Encouraging Public Service in Our National Parks and Public Land Act currently awaits committee consideration in the Senate. In terms of the bill's progression through the upper legislative chamber, it has now been read twice, which is a formal step, not a full debate—essentially acknowledging the bill’s introduction.
After the second reading, the bill was sent to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for detailed review, hearings, and possible amendments. Committees are where most of the substantive work on legislation happens. The bill could either be passed on to a subcommittee or killed at this stage.
If reported out, it will go to the Senate floor for debate—often unlimited unless 60 Senators vote for cloture to end it. Then comes a vote; if it passes by a simple majority, the bill moves to the House, and eventually to the president for approval or veto.
The Trump administration’s policy changes—including "America-first pricing" and the removal of holidays linked to Black history—continue to face public scrutiny and legislative challenges.
Update 12/17/25, 7 a.m. E.T. This article has been updated with an Interior Department response.
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