The Nation - News from June 16, 1988

The House Interior Committee approved legislation to strip top political appointees in the Interior Department of day-to-day control over the National Park Service. The bill, reflecting increasing displeasure among committee Democrats with the Reagan Administration’s handling of the national parks, was cleared for floor action by a 25-14 vote. The legislation would make the park service director a presidential appointee, subject to Senate confirmation for a five-year term. Currently, the director is appointed by the Interior secretary and is directly answerable to the assistant secretary for fish and wildlife and parks. The bill also would create a three-member park system review board appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The board would advise the director and Congress on how to improve the park system.