[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 130 (Monday, July 26, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H3864-H3868]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             ALEXANDER LOFGREN VETERANS IN PARKS (VIP) ACT

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 4300) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to make free 
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes available to 
members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 4300

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Alexander Lofgren Veterans 
     in Parks (VIP) Act''.

     SEC. 2. RECREATION PASSES.

       Section 805 of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act 
     (Public Law 108-447; 118 Stat. 3385; 16 U.S.C. 6804) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(4), by striking ``age and disability 
     discounted'' and inserting ``age discount and lifetime''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in the heading, by striking ``Discounted'' and 
     inserting ``Free and Discounted'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in the heading, by striking ``Disability discount'' and 
     inserting ``Lifetime passes''; and
       (ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(B) Any veteran who provides adequate proof of military 
     service as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(C) Any member of a Gold Star Family who meets the 
     eligibility requirements of section 3.2 of Department of 
     Defense Instruction 1348.36 (or a successor instruction).''; 
     and
       (C) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) in the heading, by striking ``Gold star families parks 
     pass'' and inserting ``Annual passes''; and
       (ii) by striking ``members of'' and all that follows 
     through the end of the sentence and inserting ``members of 
     the Armed Forces and their dependents who provide adequate 
     proof of eligibility for such pass as determined by the 
     Secretary.''.

     SEC. 3. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.

       The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of 
     complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall 
     be determined by reference to the latest statement titled 
     ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, 
     submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the 
     Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such 
     statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Michigan (Mrs. Dingell) and the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Michigan.


                             General Leave

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Michigan?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4300, the Alexander Lofgren 
Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act introduced by my colleague Representative 
Miller-Meeks from Iowa.
  This bill would provide free annual America the Beautiful Passes to 
current military servicemembers and free lifetime America the Beautiful 
Passes to veterans and members of Gold Star families, ensuring that 
those who have sacrificed so much in the service of our Nation are able 
to access our national parks and public lands at no cost.
  Anyone who has visited America's public lands understands the 
significant mental and physical health benefits of getting outside and 
connecting with nature. It is time that we ensure our military 
servicemembers, veterans, and Gold Star families are able to access 
these beloved places at no cost.
  Although the annual America the Beautiful Pass became free for 
veterans and Gold Star families in 2020, the change for veterans has 
never been codified in law.
  While we will never be able to repay the debt owed to them for their 
service and their sacrifice, H.R. 4300 will ensure that this benefit is 
protected in perpetuity and that all of our American heroes are able to 
recreate and find comfort and solace on the lands that they fought so 
hard to protect.
  I would like to thank Representative Miller-Meeks for her service and 
for her work on this important legislation, including working with 
Committee on Natural Resources chair, Mr. Grijalva, to rename the bill 
in honor of Alexander Lofgren.
  Alexander Lofgren served for 4 years in the U.S. Army as a combat 
engineer, including a deployment to Afghanistan. Afterwards, he served 
in Chair Grijalva's office as part of the Wounded Warrior Fellowship 
Program, handling issues and constituent casework concerning veterans' 
health and benefits.
  As a congressional staffer and veteran, Mr. Lofgren was a great 
proponent for his community, veterans, and our Nation's public lands, 
often encouraging returning veterans to reconnect with nature to heal.
  Tragically, his life was lost during a recent outing in Death Valley 
National Park. Our hearts go out to his family. Renaming this 
legislation after Mr. Lofgren is a fitting tribute to his legacy and 
service to our Nation. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to speak today in support of H.R. 4300, the 
Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks Act, also known as the VIP Act, 
which is sponsored by Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks from Iowa.
  This bipartisan bill, which currently has 150 cosponsors, would 
provide free annual passes to our national parks and public lands for 
current military servicemembers and free lifetime passes for veterans 
and members of Gold Star families.
  We can never fully repay the debt owed to our military 
servicemembers, veterans, and Gold Star families. However, as a small 
acknowledgment of their sacrifice, this bill will ensure that they can 
always access over 2,000 Federal recreation areas across the country 
that they fought so hard to defend free of charge.

                              {time}  1530

  By codifying these passes under the Federal Lands Recreation 
Enhancement Act, it guarantees this benefit can never be taken away 
from these brave men and women.
  This bill is important not only because it honors the sacrifice of 
the men and women of our military and Gold Star families but because 
our public lands hold a special value for veterans, particularly those 
wounded in combat.
  Captain John Paluska, a constituent of Representative Miller-Meeks 
and a Purple Heart recipient, summed up the purpose and meaning of this 
bill perfectly when he testified before our committee earlier this 
month: ``I mentioned the word `freedom' earlier. Is it a concept? Is it 
a place? Is it the result of an action? What does it mean for

[[Page H3865]]

each of you on this committee? For me, it is all of those, and I find 
this each and every time I am so very fortunate to visit the outdoors 
and our national parks.''
  This bill would not only allow our veterans and Gold Star family 
members to always enjoy the freedom of our national parks, but it will 
remove any financial barriers they may face to accessing places they 
use to heal the emotional and physical burdens they carry with them.
  In addition to the 150 bipartisan cosponsors of this bill, there are 
also 60 organizations currently endorsing the measure. These 
organizations represent a diverse variety of interests, from the 
outdoor recreation industry to veterans groups, and include The 
American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of 
America, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, REI, Vista Outdoor, Audubon 
Society, and The Nature Conservancy.
  Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record five letters in support of the 
bill from the Outdoor Industry Association, Sierra Club, Backcountry 
Hunters and Anglers, American Cultural Resources Association, and 
Evangelical Environmental Network.

                                 Outdoor Industry Association,

                                                     July 9, 2021.
     Hon. Joe Neguse,
     Chairman, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public 
         Lands, Washington, DC.
     Hon. Russ Fulcher,
     Ranking Member, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and 
         Public Lands, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Neguse and Ranking Member Fulcher, On behalf 
     of our 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and 
     retailer members, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is proud 
     to support the ``Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act'' to give 
     veterans and members of the Armed Forces free access to 
     national parks and public lands.
       Spending time in nature can provide countless mental and 
     physical health benefits for everyone, including our nation's 
     servicemembers. Through studies and anecdotes, we know 
     outdoor activities are linked to improved mental health and 
     long-term psychological well-being. Additionally, increasing 
     access and opportunity to outdoor spaces is an important way 
     to honor those who have risked their lives to protect us and 
     this country.
       The outdoors can be a restorative force for all, helping 
     individuals and communities thrive. We are pleased to see the 
     commitment to ensuring those who served our country have the 
     resources they need to participate in outdoor activities and 
     experience everything our beautiful national parks and public 
     lands have to offer. OIA is committed to honoring and 
     respecting servicemembers through access to the outdoors and 
     outdoor recreation, and we look forward to seeing this bill 
     become law.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Lise Aangeenbrug,
                                       Executive Director, Outdoor
     Industry Association.
                                  ____

                                                    July 13, 2021.
     Hon. Joe Neguse,
     Chairman, House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee 
         on Federal Lands, Washington, DC.
     Hon. Russ Fulcher,
     Chairman, House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee 
         on Federal Lands, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Neguse, Ranking Member Fulcher, and Members 
     of the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on 
     National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands: On behalf of 3.8 
     million members and supporters, the Sierra Club urges you to 
     support the Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act, H.R. 4300. This 
     bipartisan legislation would help military service members, 
     veterans, and Gold Star Families explore, enjoy, and heal on 
     America's public lands and waters by removing a financial 
     barrier to access over 2,000 federal recreation areas.
       America's public lands and waters provide unique 
     opportunities for healing and respite for veterans upon 
     returning home from service. Unfortunately, these 
     opportunities are not equally available to all. No one, 
     especially veterans, active duty service members, and Gold 
     Star Families, should be denied access to the benefits of 
     nature because of a lack of funds. The Veterans in Parks Act 
     will ensure that those who have served and sacrificed for our 
     nation can enjoy a direct connection to the land they defend.
       Many veterans face considerable challenges upon returning 
     home. Repeat exposure to trauma and long deployments away 
     from family and friends has resulted in a generation of 
     veterans that have difficulty reintegrating into civilian 
     life. In addition, some of the effects of war, such as 
     traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress, leave no 
     visible scars and can be equally or more disabling than an 
     apparent physical injury, making it even harder to adjust to 
     life at home. As a result, the demand for mental health 
     services for veterans continues to grow. According to the 
     U.S. Government Accountability Office, the number of veterans 
     receiving mental health care from the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs increased 90% from FY 2006-2019--more than three 
     times the rate of increase for all VA health care services. 
     During this time, VA's mental health budget increased from 
     $2.4 to $8.9 billion.
       Time spent outdoors is proven to promote mental and 
     physical health and well-being. For veterans, these benefits 
     can be exceptionally profound; research into the efficacy of 
     outdoor recreation as therapy shows significant improvements 
     in mental and physical well-being, social function, and 
     outlook on life with even moderate exposure to nature. 
     Research also indicates that these programs may be especially 
     beneficial to veterans most in need of help, supplemented by 
     fewer stigmas being associated with outdoor recreation 
     compared to clinical treatments. Expanding access to these 
     benefits is a common-sense, cost-effective way to ease 
     veterans' transition into civilian life and improve the 
     health and wellbeing of service members and Gold Star 
     Families.
       Veterans are already relying on the healing power of the 
     outdoors. Structured programs utilizing outdoor recreation on 
     federal lands have become increasingly common within various 
     Veterans Service Organizations.
       Last year, Congress passed the Accelerating Veterans 
     Recovery Outdoors Act, which will create an interagency task 
     force to identify veterans' barriers to access and recommend 
     how the Department of Veterans Affairs can utilize public 
     lands as an adjunct therapy for veterans. This victory was a 
     critical step to ensure veterans have ample opportunities to 
     enjoy outdoor recreation on the land they served to protect. 
     Similarly, the Veterans in Parks Act will be an important 
     part of fulfilling that mission and improving the lives of 
     veterans, service members, and Gold Star Families.
       Thank you for your support for our nation's service 
     members, veterans, and Gold Star Families.
           Sincerely,

                                                  Rob Vessels,

                                        Military Outdoors Campaign
     Manager, Sierra Club.
                                  ____



                                Backcountry Hunters & Anglers,

                                                     July 8, 2021.
     Hon. Raul Grijalva,
     Chair, House Natural Resources Committee,
     Washington, DC.
     Hon. Bruce Westerman,
     Ranking Member, House Natural Resources Committee, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chair Grijalva and Ranking Member Westerman: On behalf 
     of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), the voice for our 
     wild public lands, waters and wildlife, we write in support 
     of the bipartisan Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act (H.R. 4300) led 
     by Representatives Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Gallego (D-AZ). 
     This important legislation will provide free annual America 
     the Beautiful Passes to current military service members and 
     free lifetime America the Beautiful Passes to veterans and 
     members of Gold Star Families.
       We recognize that members of the armed forces are a 
     critical constituency when it comes to the defense of our 
     wild public lands. BHA's Armed Forces Initiative focuses on 
     connecting veterans to our public lands through lowering the 
     barrier of entry of hunting and fishing for military members, 
     engaging veterans through skill camps and leading restoration 
     projects, and elevating the voices of veterans from town 
     halls to the discussion of legislation at the congressional 
     level. The benefits provided by the VIP Act would fit well 
     within this mission.
       The VIP Act is supported by hunters and anglers who want to 
     recognize the sacrifice made by service members, veterans and 
     Gold Star Families. The debt to these individuals can never 
     be repaid, but the VIP Act would give them access, at no 
     cost, to over 2,000 federal recreation areas including 
     national parks, national forests and national wildlife 
     refuges. This will eliminate barriers and increase access to 
     hunt, fish and recreate on our nation's treasured public 
     lands, an honor they deserve.
       Since 2020, the annual America the Beautiful Pass has been 
     free for veterans and Gold Star Families, however the VIP Act 
     would change these to lifetime passes and codify this program 
     to ensure it continues in the years to come. Passing this 
     legislation would not only ensure this program continues for 
     veterans and Gold Star Families, but it would also provide 
     the much-needed inclusion for current service members.
       We urge the Natural Resources Committee to pass the VIP Act 
     and honor the service of our nation's active-duty military, 
     veterans and Gold Star Families by increasing their access to 
     our public lands and waters. As the bill continues through 
     the legislative process, we look forward to working with you 
     and your colleagues to see it across the finish line.
           Sincerely,

                                                 Morgan Mason,

                                           Armed Forces Initiative
                       Coordinator, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.

[[Page H3866]]

     
                                  ____
                                                 American Cultural


                                        Resources Association,

                                                    July 12, 2021.
     Hon. Mariannette Miller-Meeks,
     Washington, DC.
     Hon. Ruben Gallego,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Representatives Miller-Meeks and Gallego: The American 
     Cultural Resources Association (ACRA) strongly supports H.R. 
     4300, the Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act, and commends you for 
     introducing this worthy legislation.
       ACRA is the national trade association supporting the 
     common interests of cultural resource management (CRM) firms 
     of all sizes, types, and specialties. ACRA member firms 
     undertake much of the legally mandated cultural resource 
     studies and investigations in the United States. They employ 
     thousands of professionals, including archaeologists, 
     architectural historians, historians, ethnographers, and an 
     increasingly diverse group of other specialists who work with 
     communities in every state to help protect and record our 
     nation's historic and cultural heritage.
       Our nation's public lands, monuments and parks help tell 
     the story of America, from the battlefields of Yorktown to 
     the Pacific coast and everything in between. These public 
     lands educate, entertain and inspire millions of Americans 
     and visitors from around the world. They are integral to 
     understanding America's history and culture, while providing 
     enormous ecological benefits to our nation's ecosystem.
       As veterans, you both understand first-hand the enormous 
     sacrifices that servicemembers and their families have made 
     to protect our nation. Their contributions to our nation's 
     story are incalculable; they certainly should not have to pay 
     to access to our most treasured and beautiful public lands.
       By giving active-duty servicemembers free annual passes, 
     and veterans and Gold Star Families free lifetime passes, to 
     our national parks and lands, the VIP Act honors both our 
     nation's historic and scenic heritage and the people who have 
     sacrificed so much to protect it.
       We commend you for your leadership in introducing this 
     bipartisan bill, and we urge Congress to pass it as soon as 
     possible.
           Sincerely,

                                               Nathan Boyless,

                                                        President,
     American Cultural Resources Association.
                                  ____

                                         Evangelical Environmental


                                                      Network,

                                                    July 12, 2021.
     Ref: H.R. 4300--117th Congress (2021-2022)

     Hon. Joe Neguse, Chair,
     Hon. Russ Fulcher, Ranking Member,
     Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, 
         Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chair Neguse and Ranking Member Fulcher, Our National 
     Parks and other public lands are essential to our quality of 
     life. They make God's creation available to everyone. They 
     reflect our ideals as a nation: that everyone is welcome 
     because all individuals are created equal and endowed with 
     the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of 
     happiness. To step into a National Park and enjoy the beauty 
     of God's creation is to experience freedom and the richness 
     of life as persons made in the image of God. That's why over 
     400,000 pro-life Christians have joined with us to defend and 
     protect these God-given National Treasurers.
       Most Christians have experienced God in our natural parks 
     and public lands, but we also have the responsibility to care 
     for them. We are commanded to tend the earth and steward all 
     aspects of this wonderful creation given to us to sustain 
     abundant physical life, enjoy, and even play in. Creation 
     doesn't belong to any one person or group to exploit, 
     plunder, or be used selfishly. It's a trust, given by God, 
     for the benefit of humanity and the glory of God.
       That is why The Evangelical Environmental Network supports 
     the efforts of Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-
     IA), Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and the over 140 
     other cosponsors for introducing the Veterans in Park (VIP) 
     Act! The VIP Act offers a small thank you to our military 
     service members, veterans, and Gold Star Families for their 
     patriotism and service to our nation, but it goes beyond 
     saying thanks, it offers an opportunity for healing. Medical 
     research clearly proves the ability to find healing in our 
     greatest outdoor treasurers, America's National Parks. God's 
     marvelous creation provides perhaps the greatest healing 
     place for many of our heroes and their families who suffer 
     deep internal wounds. The VIP Act offers our heroes hope for 
     healing, wholeness, restoration, and simply great fun!
       Our prayer is that the Subcommittee on National Parks, 
     Forests, and Public Lands will quickly move this to the full 
     committee and then onward to the House floor in quick order.
       Thank you for your service to our nation and know you are 
     in our prayers.
           Sincerely,
                                      The Rev. Mitchell C. Hescox,
                                                  President/C.E.O.

  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I also include in the Record several news 
articles that speak to the importance of this bill that have appeared 
in papers all across the country.

                      Honoring America's Real VIPs

  (By Reps. Bruce Westerman (R-ARK.) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-
                      IOWA), Opinion Contributors)

                     [From The Hill, July 4, 2021]

       This year, we celebrate the 245th birthday of the United 
     States. Independence Day is a great day to picnic with 
     friends, spend time outside, and enjoy a fireworks show, but 
     it is also much more than that. It is our duty to honor the 
     men and women who, for the past two and a half centuries, 
     have kept our county free.
       We owe a debt of gratitude to American military members and 
     their families and we want to repay them in a very small way 
     by giving them lifetime access to our national parks.
       There are few things that instill American pride quite like 
     watching the sun set over the Grand Canyon, seeing bison roam 
     through Yellowstone, or hiking through the forest in Acadia. 
     From sea to shining sea, we are a nation of incredible beauty 
     and biodiversity. Congress recognizes the mental and physical 
     health benefits of outdoor recreation for current 
     servicemembers and veterans. Last December Congress passed 
     and President Trump signed legislation establishing an 
     interagency task force to identify barriers and make 
     recommendations to increase the use of public lands and other 
     outdoor spaces for veteran medical treatment.
       Removing barriers and increasing access to our public lands 
     is exactly why we have introduced the bipartisan Veterans in 
     Parks (VIP) Act: to give servicemembers, veterans, and Gold 
     Star families free passes to all national parks and federal 
     recreational lands for life. It is the least we can do for 
     those who gave so much for our country. Currently, active 
     duty servicemembers and veterans are able to receive a one-
     year free access pass to all parks with entrance fees. With 
     more than 135 co-sponsors, the VIP Act would codify the 
     active duty and veterans passes, as well as make the pass for 
     veterans a lifetime pass. It would also amend the previously 
     codified Gold Star families annual pass and make it a 
     lifetime pass.
       As a veteran of the U.S. Army who served for 24 years, 
     Congresswoman Miller-Meeks is no stranger to the myriad 
     hardships that come from being a member of the military. We 
     both are also privileged to represent a host of 
     servicemembers in Congress and want to make it even easier 
     for them to enjoy time with family and friends in America's 
     most beautiful landscapes.
       Our national parks are for all of us. No one is more worthy 
     of experiencing open access to these incredible places than 
     the men and women who fought to keep us free and the families 
     who made the ultimate sacrifice.
       Unfortunately, it is often all too easy to pay lip service 
     to the military's sacrifice but then not follow through with 
     action to recognize their service. We aim to change that, one 
     legislative recognition at a time.
       If you or a member of your family has been a member of the 
     U.S. Armed Forces, we are grateful for your service, today 
     and every day. We hope to see you in a national park soon.
                                  ____


                           [From Samoa News]

           (Source: Congresswoman Uifa`atali Amata's Office)

       Washington, DC.--Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata voted 
     Wednesday for the Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act, H.R. 4300, 
     which was passed by the full Committee on Natural Resources 
     with bipartisan support. Amata cosponsored the legislation to 
     honor Veterans with free lifetime access to all U.S. National 
     Parks, and other National Forests and public lands.
       The Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act specifically honors the 
     nation's servicemembers, veterans, and Gold Star families as 
     VIPs in over 2,000 federally protected places. Amata 
     supported the bill from the start as an original cosponsor 
     upon introduction by Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks 
     (R-IA) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).
       Currently, the public can purchase annual ``America the 
     Beautiful'' passes that allow entry to all parks for one 
     year. The VIP Act works by providing these annual America the 
     Beautiful Passes for free to current military service 
     members, and free lifetime America the Beautiful Passes to 
     veterans and members of Gold Star Families.
       ``This bill is a special statement of support for our 
     Veterans and military families, and another way to say thank 
     you,'' said Congresswoman Amata. ``The VIP Act honors those 
     serving, those who served, and Gold Star families who lost a 
     loved one in service to the United States, by ensuring you 
     are a VIP in the nation's federally protected historic and 
     beautiful places.''
       The America the Beautiful pass is an access ticket to over 
     2,000 places spanning National Parks, National Forests and 
     Wildlife Refuges, which fall under different federal agencies 
     and departments. The National Parks system has 423 sites 
     including 63 Parks, along with trails, historical sites, 
     monuments and memorials. These sites are preserved for 
     national value based on scenery, special geographic features, 
     history, or plant and wildlife conservation. Some Parks, such 
     as the National Park of American Samoa, are generally free to 
     access, but many locations have fees, or passes applied per 
     car or for parking. The America the Beautiful pass covers 
     those entry expenses.
       In 2020, the administration made America the Beautiful 
     yearly access free for Veterans

[[Page H3867]]

     and Gold Star families, but the VIP Act takes it a step 
     further in three ways by extending it to lifetime passes, 
     making the change permanent, and codifying it in law.
                                  ____


                             [July 1, 2021]

 Boone and Crockett Joins Over 100 Others Endorsing Veterans in Parks 
                                  Act

       The Boone and Crockett Club endorsed H.R. 4300, the 
     Veterans In Parks Act, which was introduced earlier today 
     (https://republicans-naturalresources.house.gov/newsroom/
documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409869) by Reps. Miller-Meeks 
     and Gallego with an additional 133 bipartisan original 
     cosponsorsr.


                               Background

       The America the Beautiful Pass provides access to more than 
     2,000 federal recreation areas, including our national parks, 
     national forests, and wildlife refuges. This includes some of 
     the country's most iconic treasures, ranging from the 
     majestic Grand Canyon National Park to the aweinspiring 
     Redwood National Forest. Although we can never fully repay 
     the debt we owe to our servicemembers and veterans, the VIP 
     Act would allow them, along with Gold Star Family members, to 
     visit our national parks and public lands free of charge. In 
     2020, the America the Beautiful annual pass became free for 
     veterans and Gold Star Families. However, this change for 
     veterans has never been codified and could be undone in 
     future years. The VIP Act protects these passes by codifying 
     them and making them lifetime passes instead of annual 
     passes. The VIP Act also creates annual passes for current 
     service members, which can be converted into lifetime passes 
     once they leave the military.


                        Supporting Organizations

       Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vista Outdoor, National 
     Marine Manufacturers Association, National Park Hospitality 
     Association, the National Association of Counties, Outdoor 
     Industry Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Evangelical 
     Environmental Network, Wildlife Mississippi, Mississippi 
     River Trust, American Sportfishing Association, American 
     Cultural Resources Association, VoteVets, The Mission 
     Continues, American Battlefield Trust, Camp Chef, 
     Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, National Association of 
     RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC), Delaware North, Trout 
     Unlimited, National RV Dealers Association (RVDA), American 
     Trails, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Boone and Crockett 
     Club, Rugged Range, Bell Helmets, Blackburn, Blackhawk, 
     Bushnell, CamelBak, CCI, Eagle Industries, Federal 
     Ammunition, Giro, HEVI-Shot, Primos, Remington, Bipartisan 
     Policy Center Action, American Hiking Society, Archery Trade 
     Association, ConservAmerica, Southeast Tourism Society, The 
     Corps Network, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, REI Co-op, 
     Audubon, Sierra Club, U.S. Travel Association, National 
     Wildlife Federation, American Conservation Coalition, America 
     Outdoors, Student Conservation Association, Wildlife 
     Management Institute, Association of Marina Industries, 
     International Inbound Travelers Association, American Horse 
     Council.

                             [July 8, 2021]

House Introduces Bill To Give Military Families Free Lifetime Access to 
                             National Parks

                            (By Zach Hester)

       (WHNT).--A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of 
     Representatives could allow veterans and Gold Star families 
     free lifetime access to national parks and public lands--and 
     free annual passes to active-duty members of the military.
       The bipartisan bill, brought to the floor by Reps. 
     Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) and Ruben Gallego (D-
     Ariz.), creates the ``America the Beautiful Pass'' providing 
     these services members and their families free access to more 
     than 2,000 federal recreation areas, ranging from Acadia 
     National Park to Redwood National Forest.
       ``As a 24-year Army veteran, I understand the sacrifices 
     made by our military and their loved ones,'' said Miller-
     Meeks. ``We owe so much to our amazing servicemembers, 
     veterans, and their families; my Veterans in Parks Act is the 
     least we can do.''
       In addition to creating the passes for services members and 
     their families, it also codifies them and makes them last a 
     lifetime. Last year, a similar measure was passed, but never 
     put into law.
       ``As a veteran, I know firsthand the importance of national 
     parks as a place of connection and healing when dealing with 
     the visible and invisible wounds of war,'' Gallego said. ``I 
     am proud to co-lead this bill and I will continue to fight 
     for veteran accessibility and support on our nation's public 
     lands.''
       The bill lists over 100 co-sponsors, including Alabama 
     Reps. Mo Brooks, Barry Moore, and Jerry Carl.
                                  ____


                            [July 14, 2021]

  Proposal made to expand veterans' free access to all national parks

                          (By Ariana Figueroa)

       Washington.--U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa 
     testified Tuesday before the House Natural Resources 
     Committee hearing in support of bipartisan legislation that 
     would give veterans and Gold Star families free lifetime 
     access to national parks and public federal lands.
       ``No one is more worthy of experiencing open access to the 
     incredible places that these men and women have fought to 
     keep us free and their families who have also made the 
     ultimate sacrifice along with them,'' the Iowa Republican 
     said.
       Miller-Meeks is a veteran and worked on the bill, the 
     ``Veterans in Parks Act,'' with Rep. Ruben Gallego, an 
     Arizona Democrat who is also a veteran.
       ``As a veteran, I know firsthand the importance of national 
     parks as a place of connection and healing when dealing with 
     the visible and invisible wounds of war,'' Gallego said in a 
     statement.
       ``The VIP Act is an important step in ensuring that 
     veterans, service members, and Gold Star families have access 
     to the public lands they and their loved ones fought to 
     protect.''
       Last year, the U.S. National Park Service made annual 
     visits to national parks free for veterans and active duty 
     service members, but the bill, H.R. 4300, would codify that 
     annual pass into law, to be used throughout their lives.
       ``We can never fully repay our veterans for their service 
     and sacrifice, but we want to show our gratitude by giving 
     them lifetime access to America's beautiful landscapes,'' 
     Miller-Meeks said.
       The bill would also give active-duty military free annual 
     passes to national parks and public federal lands. Once those 
     members retire, their passes could be converted to lifetime 
     passes. A Gold Star family is an immediate family member of a 
     service member who died in the line of duty.
       Capt. John Paluska, from Ottumwa, Iowa, testified before 
     the panel in support of the bill.
       He said that in between his deployments, he would often 
     visit Yellowstone National Park ``and find my freedom all 
     throughout the park.''
       ``There's something about connecting to nature at these 
     parks that helps with the healing,'' he said. ``I will always 
     carry the wounds of war with me wherever I go, but when I go 
     to these beautiful places, I am able to connect with one of 
     the reasons I decided to serve-this incredible, beautiful, 
     country.''
                                  ____

  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would note that at our committee markup 
earlier this month, as the gentlewoman has stated, we added a 
bipartisan amendment to name this bill after a wounded veteran who, 
sadly, passed away earlier this year.
  Alexander Lofgren was a military and veterans' liaison for Chair 
Grijalva through the Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program and a lover of 
the outdoors. I was happy to cosponsor Chair Grijalva's amendment to 
name the bill after him and hope that this fitting tribute helps carry 
on Alex's legacy and provides some level of comfort to his family and 
friends.
  Before I close, I thank Representative Miller-Meeks for her 
leadership on this effort. A veteran herself who served 24 years in the 
Army as a private, nurse, and doctor, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks is the 
perfect champion of this legislation. I commend her for her commitment 
to bipartisanship and for her work on behalf of our Nation's veterans 
and her constituents.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
New Mexico (Ms. Herrell).
  Ms. HERRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise as a proud original cosponsor and 
supporter of H.R. 4300, the VIP Act, offered by my friend from Iowa, 
Congresswoman Miller-Meeks.
  This legislation would codify into Federal law an initiative put into 
place by the Trump administration last year that grants free passes to 
visit our national parks, national forests, and wildlife refuges to 
those who deserve them most, our Nation's Active-Duty servicemembers, 
veterans, and Gold Star families.
  Our national parks and public lands are an essential part of our 
history and provide great recreational opportunities for the American 
people. Recreating in the most beautiful places our Nation has to offer 
brings needed healing and relaxation for those who have and still do 
put it all on the line to protect the freedoms each of us take for 
granted as Americans.
  As a Member of this body from southern New Mexico, I have the 
privilege of representing two of the most iconic landmarks in the 
Nation, White Sands National Park and Carlsbad Caverns. These 
irreplaceable components of the National Park System welcome thousands 
of visitors every year and provide a strong economic boost to their 
surrounding communities.

[[Page H3868]]

  Providing greater access to our public lands, as this bill does, will 
only enhance economic opportunity for gateway communities that surround 
our public lands and provide even greater benefits for our Active-Duty 
servicemen, veterans, and Gold Star families.
  This legislation enjoys the support of a wide cross-section of 
organizations representing all strains of political opinion and areas 
of interest, such as the National Association of Counties, 
Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, and National Wildlife Federation.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this 
legislation, and I once again congratulate and thank my colleague, 
Congresswoman Miller-Meeks, for her hard work.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.
  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks), the author of the legislation.
  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues on the Natural 
Resources Committee, and I thank Representative Westerman for yielding 
me time to speak.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 4300, 
the Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks Act. I was so proud to 
introduce this overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation with a fellow 
veteran, Congressman Gallego.
  Our commonsense legislation would give our servicemembers, veterans, 
and Gold Star families free passes to all of our beautiful national 
parks and Federal lands for life. This is a reasonable piece of 
legislation that will support those who sacrifice so much for our 
liberties.
  Our Nation is blessed to have some of the most beautiful national 
parks and public lands. Each year, millions of Americans access the 
more than 2,000 Federal recreation areas, including national parks, 
national forests, and wildlife refuges. This includes some of the 
Nation's most iconic national treasures, from Acadia National Park in 
Maine and the Dry Tortugas in Florida to the Redwood National and State 
Parks forest in California and the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska.
  In 2020, the America the Beautiful annual pass became free for 
veterans and Gold Star families. However, this change for veterans has 
never been put into law and could be undone in future years.
  My bill protects these veteran passes by codifying them into law and 
making them lifetime passes instead of annual passes that would have to 
be re-sent every year. Making these passes lifetime instead of annual 
also makes the job of the Park Service easier and ensures our veterans 
have full access to the benefits they so richly deserve.
  Finally, my legislation also creates annual passes for current 
servicemembers, which can be converted into lifetime passes once they 
retire.
  From sea to shining sea, we are a Nation of incredible beauty and 
biodiversity. Congress recognizes the mental and physical health 
benefits of outdoor recreation for current servicemembers and veterans. 
In fact, I think at our hearing, there was not a dry eye when Captain 
John Paluska spoke on behalf of this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, as a 24-year Army veteran, I understand the sacrifices 
made by our military and their loved ones and believe that we must do 
whatever we can to honor these VIPs. My bill provides these Americans 
with free access to the land they have sacrificed to defend.
  Our national parks are there for all of us. Getting outside into 
nature and enjoying our beautiful country provides an outlet and escape 
with mental and physical benefits. No one is more worthy of 
experiencing open access to these incredible places than the men and 
women who have fought to keep us free and the families who have made 
the ultimate sacrifice.
  Unfortunately, it is all too easy to pay lip service to the 
military's sacrifice but then not follow through with action to 
recognize their service. We can never fully repay our veterans for 
their service and their sacrifice, but we want to show our gratitude by 
giving them lifetime access to America's most beautiful landscapes.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to join in supporting my commonsense 
bill, H.R. 4300, the Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks Act.
  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson).
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member 
for yielding, and I thank the gentlewoman for her sponsorship of this.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4300, the Veterans in 
Parks Act.
  Across the country, our national parks provide endless opportunities 
for Americans to learn about our Nation's history and culture. 
Additionally, national parks generate significant recreational 
opportunities, which encourage visitors to spend time in the outdoors 
and enjoy nature.
  From Gettysburg to Independence Park, and the Allegheny Portage 
Railroad to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania is home to 19 national parks and 
7 heritage areas providing these benefits to Pennsylvanians throughout 
the Commonwealth and visitors alike. As the representative of 
Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, it continues to be an honor 
to serve our veterans, Active-Duty servicemen and -women, and proud 
military families.
  This legislation would simply give veterans and Gold Star families 
free access for life to public lands and also provide free annual 
passes to Active-Duty servicemembers. Studies show outdoor recreation 
is an effective way to decrease symptoms of PTSD and help veterans 
reintegrate with civilian life. This legislation is a step in the right 
direction when it comes to assisting our veterans and Active-Duty 
servicemembers' health.
  H.R. 4300 is one way that we can say thank you to our brave men and 
women in uniform who have selflessly served and have already given so 
much to protect our Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, as the father of a combat-wounded soldier and as the 
ranking member of the Committee on Agriculture, which also received 
referral on this legislation, I support this legislation. I urge my 
colleagues to vote in its favor.
  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I again urge adoption of this bill, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague from Iowa for her 
leadership on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support the 
legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Dingell) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4300, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion 
are postponed.

                          ____________________