This bill mandates the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to create a grant program designed to expand access to structured outdoor recreation programs for veterans. Grants will be awarded to covered State entities , defined as the primary state agencies responsible for veteran programs and services. The core purpose of these programs is to enhance veteran wellness by improving their mental and physical well-being through nature-based activities, including adaptive options for veterans with disabilities. Grant funds can be utilized in various ways, such as directly developing and administering programs, contracting with local outfitters or nonprofit organizations, and forming partnerships to deliver outdoor programming. A significant aspect is the ability to reduce financial barriers for veterans, covering costs like equipment, program fees, and transportation. Furthermore, the bill encourages collaboration between State entities and Federal land management agencies, including the National Park Service and Forest Service, to expand access to outdoor spaces and reduce administrative hurdles. To receive a grant, State entities must submit an application detailing their plan for administering funds, criteria for selecting partners, and methods for collecting participation data. Approved applicants are guaranteed at least $200,000 annually , with additional funds distributed if available. Grantees are required to submit annual reports detailing participation metrics, such as activities funded, the number of veterans served, and demographic information, along with observations on veterans' self-reported well-being and social connectedness. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $10,000,000 for each fiscal year to support this program.
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Timeline
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
Armed Forces and National Security
Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act
USA119th CongressS-4197| Senate
| Updated: 4/29/2026
This bill mandates the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to create a grant program designed to expand access to structured outdoor recreation programs for veterans. Grants will be awarded to covered State entities , defined as the primary state agencies responsible for veteran programs and services. The core purpose of these programs is to enhance veteran wellness by improving their mental and physical well-being through nature-based activities, including adaptive options for veterans with disabilities. Grant funds can be utilized in various ways, such as directly developing and administering programs, contracting with local outfitters or nonprofit organizations, and forming partnerships to deliver outdoor programming. A significant aspect is the ability to reduce financial barriers for veterans, covering costs like equipment, program fees, and transportation. Furthermore, the bill encourages collaboration between State entities and Federal land management agencies, including the National Park Service and Forest Service, to expand access to outdoor spaces and reduce administrative hurdles. To receive a grant, State entities must submit an application detailing their plan for administering funds, criteria for selecting partners, and methods for collecting participation data. Approved applicants are guaranteed at least $200,000 annually , with additional funds distributed if available. Grantees are required to submit annual reports detailing participation metrics, such as activities funded, the number of veterans served, and demographic information, along with observations on veterans' self-reported well-being and social connectedness. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $10,000,000 for each fiscal year to support this program.