Sponsors (2)
Last progress June 9, 2025 (8 months ago)
Introduced on June 9, 2025 by Gabe Amo
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Designates and supports a day called "Veterans Get Outside Day" and asks federal agencies to promote it in coordination with National Get Outdoors Day. It highlights that spending time outdoors can help mental health and encourages the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Forest Service, and the Department of the Interior to cooperate on outreach and promotion for veterans' outdoor access and activities.
Between 2000 and 2024, the Secretary of Defense found that more than 460,000 members of the Armed Forces were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries.
Studies have found that, after decades of combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, 20 percent of veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress and depression.
The Department of Veterans Affairs found that veterans suffer a disproportionately higher rate of suicide compared to non-veterans, and identifies post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, depression, and anxiety as root causes; the preamble gives an estimated 17.6 veteran suicides per day in 2022.
Despite efforts by Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs to reduce veteran suicides, there are still gaps in mental health care for veterans and the United States needs to use every available treatment to support the veteran community.
Studies show that exposure to nature and the outdoors has a positive therapeutic impact on mental health, including lower risks of depression, improved focus and attention, and that even a single day outside can improve mood and lessen feelings of isolation.
Who is affected and how:
Veterans: Primary intended beneficiaries. The measure encourages events and outreach designed to increase veterans' access to outdoor spaces and nature-based activities, which may improve mental and emotional well-being through increased awareness and participation.
Federal agencies (Department of Veterans Affairs, Forest Service, Department of the Interior): Asked to coordinate promotional activities. This is a low-burden request focused on outreach and cooperation rather than on new programs or spending.
Visitors to federal public recreational sites and outdoor organizations: May see increased participation by veterans and related outreach events around the designated day; outdoor groups could partner in programming or awareness campaigns.
Families and communities of veterans: Could benefit indirectly if veterans engage more in outdoor activities that support mental health and social connection.
Overall effect: Primarily symbolic and promotional. It encourages interagency cooperation and public outreach to promote veteran mental health through outdoor engagement, without creating new funding, mandates, or legal entitlements.