Representative Mike Garcia (CA-25) released the following statement after the House passed the bipartisan Veterans in Parks Act (VIP).  This legislation, which Garcia co-sponsored, would provide a lifetime of free access to all National Parks and public lands for any current military servicemembers, veterans, and Gold Star Families.  
 
“I am pleased that the House passed the VIP Act, which will rightfully give free National Park and public land access to our servicemembers, veterans, and Gold Star Families. It is because of their service and sacrifice that we get to enjoy the freedoms we share as Americans,” said Garcia. “In Congress, I will continue to work to ensure our nation’s veterans and servicemembers receive the benefits and support they deserve.”
 
In 2020, the America the Beautiful annual pass became free for veterans and Gold Star Families. However, this change for veterans has never been codified and could be undone in future years. The VIP Act protects these passes by codifying them and making them lifetime passes instead of annual passes. The VIP Act also creates annual passes for current service members, which can be converted into lifetime passes once they leave the military.
 
Click here to read the full bill text.