Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4197
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-29: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-23T11:03:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act (S. 4197)
Purpose
This bill requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to create a grant program that provides funding to state agencies responsible for veterans' services. The goal is to increase veterans' access to organized outdoor activities—like hiking, fishing, or adaptive nature-based programs—that improve their mental and physical health.
Key Provisions
- Grant Awards: VA must award grants to "covered state entities" (the main state agency handling veterans' programs). Qualifying applicants receive at least $200,000 per fiscal year, with extra funds distributed if available.
- Allowed Uses of Funds:
- Develop and run outdoor programs for veterans.
- Partner or contract with local guides, nonprofits, or outfitters.
- Cover costs like equipment, fees, or transportation to make programs accessible.
- Conduct outreach to attract more veterans.
- Expand existing state programs.
- Coordinate with federal land agencies (e.g., National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service).
- Application Process: States must submit a plan for using funds, partner selection criteria, a certification that programs meet state standards, and methods for tracking participation data.
- Collaboration: Encourages states to work with federal agencies to open up public lands and reduce red tape, and to coordinate with other states for broader access.
- Reporting: Grant recipients submit annual reports to VA on participation numbers, activity types, veteran demographics, and self-reported improvements in well-being, social connections, and physical activity.
- Funding: Authorizes $10 million per fiscal year for the program.
- Definitions:
- Outdoor recreation program: Nature activities promoting veterans' health, including options for those with disabilities.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This introduces a new grant program not previously established in federal law. It does not amend or repeal any existing statutes but creates fresh requirements for VA to fund and oversee state-led initiatives.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: VA gains responsibility for administering grants, reviewing applications, and analyzing reports. Federal land agencies (e.g., parks, forests) may see increased veteran program use on public lands.
- Citizens (Veterans): Expanded, low-cost access to wellness-focused outdoor activities, potentially improving mental health, physical fitness, and social ties.
- States and Communities: State veterans' agencies receive dedicated funding to scale programs; local nonprofits and businesses may gain contracts.
- No notable international relations impacts.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans: Primary beneficiaries through better program access.
- State Veterans' Agencies: Receive grants and must manage programs/reports.
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Oversees the entire program.
- Federal Land Management Agencies: Partner for access to public lands.
- Local Providers: Nonprofits, outfitters, and guides who deliver activities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Mandates appropriations (subject to Congress approval) and enforceable reporting/data requirements; ensures programs meet state standards.
- Constitutional: Standard federal grant to states under spending power; no novel federalism issues.
- Political: Bipartisan support (sponsors from both parties); emphasizes non-medical wellness for veterans, aligning with broader VA health initiatives without expanding clinical services.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (5)
Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI], Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-29: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
- 2026-03-25: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2026-03-25: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act — issued 2026-03-25 — PDF (6 pages)