[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.
____________________