Dear John,

While we fight back this pandemic for the health of America, I am happy to report some good news that you may not hear.

A while back I met the master filmmaker Ken Burns at the Library of Congress. He taught me something that I had never considered. When we think of defining moments of our country, we think of the Revolution, the Constitution, the Civil War, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement--all moments in time marked by conflict or leaps of righteous understanding.

But Burns made the case that the creation of the National Park system last century defines America in a way not previously considered. The beauty, the grandeur, and the vastness of our country--and the value of stewardship to preserve and protect special places--found its form in this public act of setting aside unique ecosystems for the lasting enjoyment of all.

This morning the White House informed me that they would like to have me alongside the President as he signs the Great American Outdoors Act into law. I am proud to have helped lead this bipartisan bill passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate. The new law will enhance our National Park System and makes permanent the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which furthers the ideals of conservation and community recreation through projects across America.

Interestingly, when I told Ken Burns I was from Nebraska, he immediately said: "Where?" I said "Lincoln." Apparently an avid quilter, he was eager to find out if I had seen his collection in the International Quilt Museum at the University of Nebraska!

It's about getting things done.

Jeff