Sponsors (4)
The bill expands and funds nature-based wellness programs that lower access barriers for veterans and gives states predictable support and monitoring capacity, but it requires ongoing federal spending and may be limited by small award sizes, administrative reporting burdens, and imperfect outcome measurement.
Veterans — especially low-income veterans and those with limited transportation — gain increased access to nature-based mental and physical wellness programs because grants can cover program fees, equipment, and reasonable transportation costs.
State agencies receive predictable baseline grant funding (minimum awards and an annual authorization) that helps them scale veteran services, coordinate with federal land agencies, and expand program availability.
The program requires annual collection of participation metrics and outcomes, creating evaluation data that supports monitoring, accountability, and future program improvements for veteran wellness initiatives.
Taxpayers incur an ongoing federal cost because the bill authorizes $10 million per year to fund the grant program.
Some applicants may receive only the minimum award level (e.g., $200,000), which may be insufficient to serve large veteran populations or to rapidly scale programs in higher-need areas.
Program effectiveness may vary and relying on observational or self-reported outcome data could limit rigorous assessment of health impacts without standardized, clinical measures.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Establishes a VA grant program (authorizes $10M/yr) to fund State efforts that expand structured outdoor recreation programs for veteran wellness, with minimum awards of $200K.
Creates a VA-administered grant program to help states expand structured outdoor recreation programs that support veteran wellness. Grants can pay for program development, partnerships with outfitters and nonprofits, equipment, fees, transportation, outreach, and coordination with Federal land agencies. The bill authorizes $10 million per year and requires at least $200,000 per approved State award each fiscal year, subject to appropriations, and regular reporting on participation and outcomes.
Introduced March 25, 2026 by Kevin Cramer · Last progress March 25, 2026