A review of legislative action taken by the 117th Congress demonstrates the National Park System increasingly is a priority for many lawmakers.

“Every one of our more than 420 national parks are experiencing the effects of budget cuts, staffing shortages, record visitation and crumbling infrastructure,” said Theresa Pierno, president and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Assocoation and board chair of the National Parks Action Fund. “And this summer, climate disasters wreaked havoc on national parks and surrounding communities with the devastating floods at Yellowstone, historic droughts at Lake Mead and Grand Canyon, and raging wildfires at Yosemite. Fortunately, the majority of the 117th Congress took major steps forward to repair our national parks infrastructure and support the largest investment our country has ever made to combat climate change, including at our national parks.”

Since the Action Fund launched its first Congressional Scorecard in 2016, lawmakers have increasingly voted in support of America’s favorite places, according to the group. And this year’s scorecard shows that fixing and safeguarding our national parks and public lands remain a critical issue for many, as over half of Congress received an A rating for their pro-park votes.

The Action Fund, affiliated with the National Parks Conservation Association, evaluated park-related votes taken by the House and Senate during the 117th Congress. The scored votes include a variety of issues affecting parks, including key votes concerning park infrastructure, climate change impacts, cabinet nominations, and protections for water and wildlife.

According to the Action Fund’s 2022 Congressional Scorecard:

• Senators receiving an A went up 6 percent from 2020
• 86 percent of House members voted to expand and diversify the National Park System
• 51 percent of Congress voted for parks and got an A
• Percentage of all members of Congress receiving an A went up 2 percent from 2020

“In order for our national parks to grow stronger in their second century, it is vital that everyone see themselves reflected in these beautiful places,” added Pierno. “The Action Fund has long urged Congress to expand our National Park System to tell the full American story. And while this Congress made progress, many important stories of American history and our past successes, struggles and injustices remain untold. It’s vital that Congress ensures that everyone, no matter where they live, has access to parks, and these places tell a more complete story of the nation’s rich and diverse history.”

Despite the wins national parks received during the 117th Congress, there remains much work to be done. National parks still face challenges like chronic underfunding, a growing backlog of repairs needs, and threats from fossil fuel extraction.

“We must hold our federal elected officials accountable for the decisions they make that impact our most iconic places,” said Rick Healy, a board member on the Action Fund and former staff member of the House Natural Resources Committee. “We will continue to call on Congress to better staff parks, carry on its work to repair parks and address climate change, and support solutions to overcrowding.”

You can review the Action Fund's grading of individual members of Congress and see how your representatives did on this page.