WASHINGTON — Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, withdrew his proposed amendment on December 15 that aimed to remove four provisions from a federal spending bill. The amendment faced significant pushback on Capitol Hill, leading to its retraction late Thursday, according to reports from Deseret News. The targeted Section 130 of the Interior-Environment appropriations bill mandates that the Interior Department maintain lands designated as national park units, national scenic or historic trails, and wild and scenic rivers as federal property. This section ensures that these areas continue to be operated as National Park Service sites, which includes responsibilities for staffing and fee collection. In addition to Section 130, Lee's amendment sought to eliminate three other sections. These included provisions related to cost-sharing waivers for conservation projects, a requirement for 45 days' notice before agency reorganizations, and restrictions on how funds can be allocated between accounts for federal salaries and benefits. After two days of criticism, Lee decided to withdraw the amendment to allow more time for discussion among colleagues and to address their concerns. Lee’s office expressed that the broad language in Section 130 might hinder routine land exchanges and boundary adjustments commonly considered by Congress. Deseret News also reported that the National Park Service requested the removal of Section 130, citing potential ambiguity and the possibility that more than 20 completed or proposed exchanges could be impacted. Conservation groups have argued that Section 130 serves as a protective measure against efforts to diminish the federal oversight of parks through management or budgetary decisions. Organizations like Western Priorities emphasized that removing the provision would eliminate the legal obligation to keep park units under federal ownership. The National Parks Conservation Association also voiced opposition to the amendment, highlighting the potential risks to protections that ensure national parks remain federal lands. This amendment withdrawal occurs as Congress aims to finalize fiscal 2026 spending bills before a January 30, 2026, deadline set under the current continuing-resolution timeline.