A resolution designating the week of April 21, 2018, through April 29, 2018, as "National Park Week".

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the Senate Resolution, ``Designating the week of April 21, 2018, through April 29, 2018, as ``National Park Week'' introduced for myself, Senator King, and others be printed in the Record.

S. Res. 478

Whereas, on March 1, 1872, Congress established Yellowstone

National Park as the first national park for the enjoyment of

the people of the United States;

Whereas, on August 25, 1916, Congress established the

National Park Service with the mission to preserve unimpaired

the natural and cultural resources and values of the National

Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of

current and future generations;

Whereas the National Park Service continues to protect and

manage the majestic landscapes, hallowed battlefields, and

iconic cultural and historical sites of the United States;

Whereas the units of the National Park System can be found

in every State and many territories of the United States and

many of the units embody the rich natural and cultural

heritage of the United States, reflect a unique national

story through people and places, and offer countless

opportunities for recreation, volunteerism, cultural

exchange, education, civic engagement, and exploration;

Whereas the national parks of the United States attracted

record-breaking visitation during the National Park Service

Centennial, with over 330,000,000 recreational visits to

these incredible places both in 2016 and 2017;

Whereas visits and visitors to our national parks are

important economic drivers for the economy responsible for

$18,400,000,000 in spending in 2016;

Whereas the dedicated employees of the National Park

Service carry out their mission to protect the national parks

of the United States so that the vibrant culture, diverse

wildlife, and priceless resources of the parks will endure

for perpetuity; and

Whereas the people of the United States have inherited the

remarkable legacy of the National Park System and are

entrusted with the preservation of the National Park System

throughout its second century: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That Congress--

(1) designates the week of April 21, 2018, through April

29, 2018, as ``National Park Week''; and

(2) encourages the people of the United States and the

world to visit and experience the treasured national parks of

the United States.

Mr. President, as a fifth generation Montanan who grew up just a short drive from our Nation's first National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and as Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, I am excited to introduce this resolution to reassure the public that Congress recognizes the remarkable value that our National Parks bring to our national heritage. I am happy to be joined by Ranking Member Angus King and Senator Hirono and nearly 30 of our bipartisan colleagues in introducing this resolution. The support of this resolution is a reflection that our National Parks bridge political divides and make our Nation uniquely American. I am hopeful that Congress, the Trump Administration and future Administrations will continue to invest in our National Parks to ensure their legacy endures for our children and generations to come.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 478, submitted earlier today.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.