Representative Eli Crane's (R-AZ) North Rim Restoration Act has passed the House of Representatives unanimously and is now heading to the Senate.
Rep. Crane introduced the bill in October after the Dragon Bravo Fire that began in July. It gives the National Park Service emergency contracting authority for forest management, maintenance, rebuilding, and infrastructure improvements, thereby bypassing federal red tape and speeding up recovery work.
To ensure accountability, the Service must issue full-scope reports every 180 days.
In January, the bill unanimously cleared the House Natural Resources Committee, celebrated by Rep. Crane, Natural Resources Chair Bruce Westerman (R-AR), and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors.
With the North Rim Restoration Act passing the full House, the recovery of the Grand Canyon's North Rim in the wake of the Dragon Bravo fire can shift into high gear, just in time for America's 250th anniversary celebrations.
"Five months ago, I introduced the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025 after listening to folks on the ground who were directly impacted by this devastating fire," Crane said in a press release. "Whether speaking with small business owners, local officials, or park staff, it became clear that removing red tape and bureaucratic hurdles would benefit all stakeholders."
The Arizona Congressman emphasized that the vote's unanimity "sends a clear message that America refuses to abandon our iconic landmarks and storied communities."
"This timely response would not be possible without the leadership of Chairman Westerman, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, and everyone else who helped build this blueprint," Crane concluded. "I urge my colleagues in the Senate to embrace our strong momentum and send this critical bill to the president's desk."
Similarly, in February, Florida Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) teamed up to introduce the USMCA Travel and Tourism Resiliency Act, which aims to increase international travel to the U.S. and domestic travel within the country by establishing a Travel and Tourism Trade Working Group as part of the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Joint Review, under the direction of the U.S. Trade Representative.
