WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced his support for the Wounded Veterans Recreation Act, legislation that would amend current law to make all veterans with a service-connected disability eligible for a free, lifetime pass allowing entry to National Parks and other recreational lands and waters held by the United States.

            “Those who have served and sacrificed on our behalf have already paid their dues,” Senator King said. “And that’s why ensuring veterans with service-connected disabilities can access our nation’s most treasured lands is not only common-sense – it’s the right thing to do.”

Under current law, individuals must be permanently disabled in order to be eligible for a free National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, creating uncertainty about whether all veterans with a service-connected disability have access to this program. The Wounded Veterans Recreation Act would clarify the current statute to ensure that these veterans have access to America’s outdoor recreational lands.

The legislation was originally introduced by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine).

###