Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act
Sponsored By: Senator Cramer, Kevin [R-ND]
In Committee
Summary
This bill would create a federal grant program to expand outdoor recreation for veterans. The program focuses on nature-based, structured activities to improve veterans' mental and physical well-being and reduce barriers to participation.
Show full summary
- Veterans: Veterans would gain more access to adaptive and nature-based programs designed to boost mental health, social connection, and physical activity. Grants can help cover equipment, program fees, and reasonable transportation costs.
- State veteran agencies: Covered state entities would apply with plans and partner criteria. Each approved entity must receive at least $200,000 per year and the program is authorized at $10 million annually.
- Local providers and partners: Grants may fund contracts with outfitters, guides, nonprofits, and community organizations, and may expand existing state programs.
- Federal lands coordination: The Secretary would be encouraged to coordinate with the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Army Corps to identify sites and reduce administrative barriers.
- Reporting and accountability: Grant recipients must report at least annually on activities funded, number of veterans served, participation frequency, demographics, and observations on veteran well-being and social connectedness.
*Would authorize $10 million per year for grants, increasing federal spending if Congress appropriates the funds.*
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More outdoor programs for veterans
This bill would require the VA to set up grants for State agencies to expand outdoor programs for veterans. The program would be authorized $10,000,000 per fiscal year. Each approved State agency would get at least $200,000 per year, subject to appropriations. Grants could pay to run programs, contract with local outfitters and nonprofits, and form partnerships. Grants could also reduce costs for veterans, including equipment, program fees, and reasonable transportation. Grantees would apply with a fund administration plan, certify State qualification standards, and report yearly on activities, number served, demographics, and veteran well-being. The VA would be directed to encourage coordination with the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Army Corps of Engineers.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Cramer, Kevin [R-ND]
ND • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
NH • D
Sponsored 3/25/2026
John Boozman
AR • R
Sponsored 3/25/2026
Elissa Slotkin
MI • D
Sponsored 3/25/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov