releases: https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-leads-bipartisan-effort-retain-free-nat-l-park-access-gold-star-families
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-leads-bipartisan-effort-retain-free-nat-l-park-access-gold-star-families | Golden Leads Bipartisan Effort to Retain Free Natl Park Access for Gold Star Families in NDAA | 2020-09-28 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Democrat | House | ME | Jared Golden | G000592 | golden.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) led a bipartisan, bicameralgroup of lawmakers to call on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Committee leadership to preserve language from hisGold Star Families Park Pass Actin the FY21 NDAA. Golden introduced theGold Star Families Park Pass Actin February with Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01). Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN). The legislation would provide free access to National Parks and other federal lands for Gold Star Families. The bill has bipartisan support in both chambers andpassed the House in July as a part of the NDAA. America's Gold Star Families have made unimaginable sacrifices for the safety of our country, and we should do everything possible to help them heal. Our national parks are among America's greatest treasures, inspiring awe and providing space for reflectionthe lawmakers said in the letter, sent September 25th.Any family who has lost a loved one in defense of the United States should be able to access these treasures free of charge. Golden has worked hard to help the families of fallen service members, includingcosponsoring legislation to strengthen benefits for Gold Star Families and protecting them from tax increases on survivor's benefits. Representatives Brian Mast (FL-18), Max Rose (NY-11), David Trone (MD-06), Dean Phillips (MN-03), Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Conor Lamb (PA-17), Josh Harder (CA-10), Van Taylor (TX-03), Don Bacon (NE-02) and Mike Levin (CA-49), as well as Senators Angus King (I-ME), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), joined Golden on the letter. The letter sent to NDAA conference leadership can be readhere, or below: September 25, 2020 Hon. James Inhofe, Chairman Senate Armed Services Committee 228 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Hon. Adam Smith, Chairman House Armed Services Committee 2120 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Hon. Jack Reed, Ranking Member Senate Armed Services Committee 228 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Hon. Mac Thornberry, Ranking Member House Armed Services Committee 2120 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Chairman Inhofe, Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Reed, and Ranking Member Thornberry: During conference committee consideration of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) , we respectfully request that you support Section 626 of the House-passed bill that would make the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program free for Gold Star Families. This language is identical to that of the bipartisan and bicameralGold Star Families Parks Pass Act (H.R. 5998/S. 3366), which has garnered the support of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Sons and Daughters in Touch: America's Gold Star Children from the Vietnam War, and numerous environmental organizations. The pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. Currently, the pass is free for individuals with disabilities, service volunteers, and members of the military. America's Gold Star Families have made unimaginable sacrifices for the safety of our country, and we should do everything possible to help them heal. Our national parks are among America's greatest treasures, inspiring awe and providing space for reflection. Any family who has lost a loved one in defense of the United States should be able to access these treasures free of charge. Free access to our national parks and public lands is a small but meaningful way for our country to thank our Gold Star Families. Again, we strongly urge you to include Section 626 in the final, conferenced Fiscal Year 2021 NDAA. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |