Should Disabled Vets Get Free, Lifetime Access to National Parks & Federal Recreational Areas? (S. 355)

What is S. 355?

(Updated August 26, 2021)

This bill would make all veterans with a service-connected disability eligible for a free, lifetime National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Under current law, individuals must be permanently disabled in order to be eligible for a free National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which costs $80 for an annual pass for a member of the general public.

Argument in favor

The disabled veterans who have fought and sacrificed to defend our country should have free, lifetime access to our national parks and federal recreational lands.

Argument opposed

While disabled veterans have sacrificed greatly for our country, that doesn’t mean they should get free, lifetime access to national parks and federal recreational lands.

Impact

Veterans with a service-connected disability; National Parks and federal recreational lands.

Cost of S. 355

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced this bill to make all veterans with a service-connected disability eligible for a free, lifetime National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass:

“This bill would ensure that the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country are able to enjoy many of America’s most spectacular sights free of charge. New Hampshire is home to some of the most beautiful recreation spaces, and the least we can do for our wounded warriors is provide access without cost.”

Lead cosponsor Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) added:

“Those who have fought and sacrificed to defend our freedoms should have free access to our nation’s parks and recreational lands. From Acadia to Denali, and everywhere in between, our bill would allow disabled veterans to access more easily our country’s national treasures for outdoor recreation, which can help heal both the visible and invisible wounds of war.”

This legislation has the support of three cosponsors in the Senate, including a Republican, a Democrat, and an Independent.

Media:

• Sponsoring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) Press Release
  
• AP
  
• Maine Public
  
• Recreation.gov (Context)