Waiving Permit Application Fees for Veterans Events at Federal War Memorials (H.R. 1702)

What is H.R. 1702?

(Updated May 19, 2021)

This bill — known as the Free Veterans From Fees Act — would waive the special use permit application fee for veteran groups applying for a permit at war memorials on federal land to hold an event honoring veterans.

Argument in favor

Veterans have sacrificed greatly to protect the freedom and liberties we enjoy, they shouldn’t have to pay an application fee when seeking a permit for an event at a federal war memorial.

Argument opposed

Application fees exist to help the agencies that manage public land and resources cover the cost of processing them, veterans shouldn’t get fees waived for events at federal war memorials.

Impact

Veterans applying for an event permit at a federal war memorial; and relevant federal agencies.

Cost of H.R. 1702

In the 115th Congress, the CBO estimated that implementing this bill would affect a small number of permit applications and would increase net discretionary spending by an insignificant amount.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) reintroduced this bill from the 115th Congress to waive application fees for special use permits for veterans’ demonstrations and special events at war memorials on federal land:

“It’s important that we do all we can to honor our nation’s veterans. Our nation has long valued giving our Veterans the opportunity to travel to our nation’s capital to visit national war memorials through national honor buses and honor flights. This bill would waive the various administrative and processing fees associated with visiting these memorials. These men and women made a valiant sacrifice by serving in the armed forces and giving them the opportunity to visit the memorials in their honor without pesky fees is the least we can do to recognize their service.”

Last Congress, Rep. Keith Rothfus (R-PA) introduced this bill to waive the administrative fee for veterans applying for a permit at war memorials on federal land:

“Our veterans have made great sacrifices to defend the freedom and liberties that we enjoy today. This is the least we can do to help veterans and their families commemorate their service to our country. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, a Major in the Army National Guard, for her support of this legislation.”

Last Congress, lead cosponsor Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) added:

“The Free Veterans from Fees Act is a small way to show the appreciation and respect that our country has for our veterans who have sacrificed so much both at home and abroad. We should do all we can to empower our veterans as we pay tribute to our brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice.  I thank Congressman Rothfus for his dedication to serving veterans.”

This bill has seven bipartisan cosponsors, including six Republicans and one Democrat, in the 116th Congress. Last Congress, it passed the House by voice vote with the support of four bipartisan cosponsors (three Republicans and one Democrat) but didn't receive a Senate vote.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) Press Release (116th Congress)
  
• Sponsoring Rep. Keith Rothfus (R-PA) Press Release (115th Congress)
  
• CBO Cost Estimate (115th Congress)