WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Interior Department is asking Congress for another $10 million to cover costs tied to Freedom 250 events held on the National Mall, prompting questions from Sen. Jeff Merkley about why taxpayers must provide more money.
Merkley, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations subcommittee overseeing Interior funding, said the request would reimburse the National Park Service for the Rededicate 250 prayer gathering, Great American State Fair and July 4 Salute to America celebration.
Congress previously approved $150 million for semiquincentennial events through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Merkley asked Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to provide a detailed accounting by Aug. 7 showing how that money has been spent and why additional funding is necessary.
Freedom 250 is a public-private partnership created by the Trump administration to organize events marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Its expanded role has reduced the visibility of America250, the bipartisan commission established by Congress for the same purpose.
Merkley argued that private donors were expected to help cover costs and said Freedom 250, rather than taxpayers, should pay remaining expenses.
The Interior Department told The Washington Post that heightened security threats required additional protection at major Washington events. Officials said the requested funding would reimburse security-related National Park Service expenses already incurred.
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