Expressing support for the designation of the second Saturday in June as "Veterans Get Outside Day".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 490
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-09: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-27T16:08:16Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 490) expresses support for designating the second Saturday in June as "Veterans Get Outside Day." The goal is to promote outdoor recreational activities for veterans, highlighting the mental health benefits of nature exposure to address issues like post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, depression, anxiety, and suicide risks among veterans.
Key Provisions
- Background Context (Whereas Clauses):
- Notes that over 460,000 service members were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries between 2000 and 2024.
- States that 20% of veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts experience post-traumatic stress and depression.
- Highlights that veterans have higher suicide rates than non-veterans (about 17.6 per day in 2022), linked to mental health challenges, with gaps in care despite efforts by Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
- Cites studies showing that time in nature reduces depression risks, improves mood, focus, and attention, and lowers suicide risk through access to green spaces.
- References the Forest Service's existing "National Get Outdoors Day" on the same date and free national park access for veterans.
- Suggests that targeted events like this could increase veteran participation in outdoor activities and improve mental health.
- Resolved Actions:
- The House of Representatives supports the designation of "Veterans Get Outside Day."
- Encourages the VA, Forest Service, and Department of the Interior to coordinate and promote this day alongside National Get Outdoors Day.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It builds on current policies, such as free national park access for veterans and the Forest Service's National Get Outdoors Day, without creating new legal requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May foster voluntary coordination between the VA, Forest Service, and Department of the Interior to organize or publicize events, potentially enhancing outreach without mandating new funding or programs.
- On Citizens: Primarily benefits veterans by raising awareness of outdoor activities as a mental health tool, possibly encouraging participation and reducing isolation or suicide risks through accessible, nature-based support.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the resolution focuses on domestic veteran welfare.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans: Primary beneficiaries, especially those dealing with mental health issues from service.
- Government Agencies: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), U.S. Forest Service, and Department of the Interior, encouraged to promote the initiative.
- Congress: The House of Representatives, through this supportive resolution.
- Non-Profit and Community Groups: Indirectly, organizations involved in veteran support or outdoor recreation may align with promoted events.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no binding force and does not require Senate approval or presidential signature; it serves as an official expression of House support rather than enforceable law.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in supporting the armed forces (under Article I, Section 8) but imposes no new obligations.
- Political: Symbolically advances veteran mental health advocacy, potentially influencing future legislation or funding for related programs; it underscores bipartisan recognition (introduced by Representatives Amo and Moulton) of ongoing veteran suicide prevention efforts without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-09: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-06-09: Submitted in House
- 2025-06-09: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of the second Saturday in June as "Veterans Get Outside Day". — issued 2025-06-09 — PDF (3 pages)