Press Releases

Washington, DC—July 29, 2021....Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today announced the Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act, legislation he cosponsored, passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation will give active-duty service members, veterans, and Gold Star Families free lifetime access to America’s most iconic natural treasures through the America the Beautiful Pass.

Congressman Womack said, “America’s heroes deserve to enjoy the very land and nation they helped protect. The VIP Act gives our men and women in uniform and their families free and unlimited access to beautiful parks and recreation areas. From the Buffalo National River to the Grand Canyon and beyond, they deserve to experience the many natural wonders of the U.S. I’m proud to support this small token of appreciation and help pass this bipartisan effort.”

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, parks, and monuments from “sea to shining sea.”

Supporters of the VIP Act include the 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 Travel Association, American Horse Council, American Legion, RV Industry Association, TNC, and QuietKat.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

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