Waiving Permit Application Fees for Veterans Events at Federal War Memorials (H.R. 3997)

What is H.R. 3997?

(Updated October 5, 2018)

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. 3997

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring 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.”

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 legislation has the support of two cosponsors in the House, including Gabbard and Rep. Mike Bishop (R-MI).

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Keith Rothfus (R-PA) Press Release