Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on the Senate’s unanimous confirmation of Chuck Sams to serve as Director of the National Park Service (NPS).

“I congratulate Chuck on his confirmation to lead the National Park Service. He is the first Senate-confirmed Director since January 2017, and as the first Native American to head the agency in its 105-year history, he will bring an important perspective to the NPS. Our national parks — including West Virginia’s own New River Gorge, our nation’s newest national park and preserve — are national treasures. I look forward to working with him to ensure our iconic national parks are protected for generations to come.”

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