What It Is
The purpose of Director’s Order #76 – Legislative and Congressional Affairs is to:
- Provide direction to National Park Service (NPS) personnel who interact with Members of Congress and congressional staff
- Provide direction and guidance to NPS personnel involved in the development and implementation of legislation
- Ensure that NPS personnel fully understand and comply with laws and regulations governing permissible vs. impermissible public advocacy.
Why It Matters
This Order is only intended to improve the internal management of the NPS and does not (and is not intended to) create any right or benefit by a party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers or employees, or any other person.
Additional Information
The objectives of the NPS Legislative and Congressional Affairs Program are to:
- Engage Members of Congress and staff in the understanding of DOI/NPS policies and positions on legislation and other congressional matters
- Develop and maintain cordial and effective working relations between NPS personnel and congressional staff
- Provide effective coordination of the NPS legislative and congressional affairs program with DOI and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to ensure it reflects the priorities and goals of the Administration
- Ensure accurate and timely responses to inquiries by Members of Congress
- Provide accurate, competent testimony before Congress on issues of relevance to the NPS
- Develop clear, legally sufficient language, in consultation with Congress, for proposed legislation that complies with DOI policy and meets the needs of the Service
- Provide summaries of newly enacted legislation for DOI, the Directorate and the regions
- Assist program officials and regional and park staff in their dealings with Members of Congress and their staffs.
Reflection
- You can find additional law, regulation and policy resources on the CLP!