Trump calls for full funding for conservation program after slashing it in his budget

President Trump on Tuesday called on Congress to fully fund a conservation program that his budget has repeatedly sought to cut.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) uses oil and gas revenue to fund a variety of conservation efforts, such as securing land for parks. But Trump has suggested cutting its funding by as much as 97 percent year after year, including in his most recent budget proposal.

“I am calling on Congress to send me a Bill that fully and permanently funds the LWCF and restores our National Parks,” Trump tweeted. “When I sign it into law, it will be HISTORIC for our beautiful public lands. ALL thanks to @SenCoryGardner and @SteveDaines, two GREAT Conservative Leaders!”

I am calling on Congress to send me a Bill that fully and permanently funds the LWCF and restores our National Parks. When I sign it into law, it will be HISTORIC for our beautiful public lands. ALL thanks to @SenCoryGardner and @SteveDaines, two GREAT Conservative Leaders!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 3, 2020

Congress has repeatedly ignored Trump’s suggestion to slash the popular program, but it also has failed to get the $900 million to fully fund it. 

Last year, Sens. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) were part of a bipartisan effort to fully fund LWCF, but the budget ultimately included only about half the funding for the program.

Trump’s tweet preceded an announcement from Daines and Gardner that they would seek permanent full funding for the LWCF.