[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 29, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2115]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  THE DISABLED SPORTSMEN'S ACCESS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. RANDY `DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 1997

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Disabled 
Sportsmen's Access Act. This legislation will expand opportunities for 
sportsmen with disabilities to hunt and fish on Department of Defense 
facilities. In addition, this legislation allows the Department to work 
with private organizations to construct facilities and operate programs 
for sportsmen with disabilities.
  This legislation is based on a program run at nearby Marine Corps 
Base Quantico, VA. This program, run by Lt. Col. Lewis Deal, is one of 
the Nation's most successful disabled hunting programs. With the help 
of volunteers and donated materials, Col. Deal has built eight 
permanent disabled accessible blinds for deer hunting. All eight of 
these are in use during both gun and bow seasons. These structures are 
mini decks built on high ground looking down a slope where game walks 
below. For these decks to be successful, it is important that they are 
constructed large enough for a wheel chair to turn around on and 
camouflaged from game. Once cleared pathways from the main access roads 
make them accessible, these stands make hunting much easier for many 
sportsmen with disabilities.
  In addition, Quantico is in the process of constructing a fishing 
pier accessible for people with disabilities. This pier, designed by 
the Paralyzed Veterans of America, will be a model for everyone in 
America to use. They will construct their pier with lowered railings, 
providing access for individuals to reach over, and stops on the side 
of the pier to prevent individuals from falling off the sides.
  The Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act builds upon this program by 
encouraging the Department of Defense in managing its 30 million acres 
of wildlands to provide improved access for disabled individuals, when 
appropriate and within the military mission. This bill protects the 
primary purpose of our Nation's military, the defense of our Nation.
  Our military installations offer numerous outdoor recreational 
programs and opportunities for both civilian and military personnel. 
However, there has never been a concentrated effort at Department of 
Defense facilities to provide access and opportunity for persons with 
disabilities.
  While encouraging the Department of Defense to give access to 
individuals with disabilities, this legislation allows the Department 
of Defense to accept donations of money, material, and volunteers for 
the construction of facilities accessible to sportsmen with 
disabilities. Under this bill, the Department of Defense can use 
volunteers and organizations that serve people with disabilities to 
construct facilities and operate programs--at no cost to the Federal 
Government.
  The bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus has endorsed this 
legislation and many of my colleagues have joined me as cosponsors. It 
is also endorsed by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled 
American Veterans, Wheeling Sportsmen of America, Safari Club 
International, Wildlife Management Institute, the Congressional 
Sportsmen's Foundation, and the International Association of Fish and 
Wildlife Agencies.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this 
legislation.

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