Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Herrell).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks), the author of the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson).

Mr. Speaker, I again urge adoption of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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.

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.

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.

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. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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.

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.

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.

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.