Sponsors (4)
Introduced March 25, 2026 by Kevin Cramer · Last progress March 25, 2026
The bill creates federally supported outdoor program access and barrier‑reducing grants for veterans and builds local delivery capacity, but its relatively small authorization, potential funding volatility, and administrative/coordination hurdles may limit reach and consistency.
Veterans nationwide gain new, structured outdoor program opportunities backed by federal grants (at least $200,000 per approved State and $10M authorized annually), increasing access to activities that can improve mental and physical well‑being.
Low‑income and disabled veterans are more likely to participate because grants can cover equipment, program fees, and reasonable transportation costs, lowering financial and logistical barriers.
State agencies and local nonprofits can expand partnerships and program delivery capacity to serve veterans, while annual reporting on participation and veteran well‑being creates data to evaluate effectiveness and guide policy.
The $10 million annual authorization may be too small to meet nationwide demand, meaning many veterans could remain unserved despite minimum grants for approved States.
If future appropriations fluctuate or fall short, grants and programs could be inconsistent year‑to‑year, creating uncertainty for veterans, State agencies, and local partners relying on sustained funding.
Application, certification, monitoring, and annual reporting requirements could impose administrative burdens on State agencies and slow program startup or increase overhead costs.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires VA to create a grant program funding State entities to expand structured outdoor recreation programs for veterans, authorizing $10M/year and $200K minimum awards.
Creates a Veterans Affairs grant program that pays covered State entities to expand structured outdoor recreation programs for veterans to improve wellness. Grants may fund program development, partnerships with outfitters and nonprofits, participant cost reductions (equipment, fees, transportation), outreach, coordination with federal land agencies, and program administration. Each approved applicant would receive at least $200,000 per fiscal year (subject to appropriations) and the program is authorized at $10 million per year. Grantees must apply with a plan, meet State qualification standards, collect data, and report annually on participation and veteran well‑being measures.