A resolution expressing support for the designation of the second Saturday in June as "Veterans Get Outside Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 272
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-11: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3350; text: CR S3349)
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-01T16:23:52Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution expresses support for designating the second Saturday in June as "Veterans Get Outside Day." It aims to promote outdoor recreational activities for veterans, highlighting their benefits for mental health issues like post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury (TBI, a brain injury caused by a blow to the head), depression, and anxiety, which contribute to higher suicide rates among veterans.
Key Provisions
- Designation of the Day: Officially recognizes the second Saturday in June as "Veterans Get Outside Day."
- Encouragement for Coordination: Urges the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Forest Service (part of the Department of Agriculture), and the Department of the Interior to work together in promoting this day alongside the existing National Get Outdoors Day.
- Supporting Rationale: Cites statistics on veterans' mental health challenges, including over 460,000 TBI diagnoses since 2000, 20% of post-9/11 veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress and depression, and 17.6 veteran suicides per day in 2022. It also references studies showing that time in nature reduces depression, improves mood, and lowers suicide risk.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no enforceable changes to existing laws or regulations. It builds on prior efforts, such as free national park access for veterans and the Forest Service's National Get Outdoors Day, by adding a veteran-specific focus without creating new legal requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May lead to increased collaboration and promotional activities by the VA, Forest Service, and Department of the Interior, potentially expanding outreach programs for veterans' mental health without requiring new funding or mandates.
- On Citizens: Encourages veterans to participate in outdoor events, which could improve mental health outcomes and reduce isolation, while raising public awareness of veterans' issues.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as this is a domestic initiative focused on U.S. veterans.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans: Primary beneficiaries, especially those dealing with mental health challenges from military service.
- Government Agencies: Department of Veterans Affairs (oversees veteran health care), Forest Service (manages public lands and outdoor programs), and Department of the Interior (includes national parks and recreation areas).
- Broader Community: Advocacy groups for veterans' mental health, outdoor recreation organizations, and the general public through heightened awareness.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no force of law and does not require House approval or presidential signature; it serves as a symbolic gesture rather than creating enforceable obligations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in supporting the military and veterans under Article I, Section 8 (providing for the common defense), but imposes no new duties on the executive branch.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by Senators Cassidy and King) for veterans' welfare, potentially influencing future funding or policies on mental health and recreation without partisan controversy. It underscores ongoing congressional efforts to address the veteran suicide epidemic through non-traditional approaches like nature-based therapy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-11: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3350; text: CR S3349)
- 2025-06-11: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-06-11: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of the second Saturday in June as Veterans Get Outside Day. — issued 2025-06-11 — PDF (3 pages)