Jeff Hurd (R-CO)
Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act
A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act and requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to set up a grant program. Under this program, grants will be awarded to certain State entities to help expand access to structured outdoor recreation programs for veterans. These programs are meant to enhance veteran wellness through nature-based activities. States receiving these grants can use the money to directly develop programs, contract with local providers, and reduce financial barriers for veterans. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $10,000,000 for each fiscal year to carry out this section.
Yes· 3 of 13
- Scored +8
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The legislation directly benefits veterans by funding structured outdoor recreation programs aimed at enhancing their mental and physical well-being.
- Scored +7
Does this help veterans get medical care?
The legislation provides grants to State entities to expand access to nature-based wellness and therapeutic activities specifically for veterans.
- Scored +7
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
The bill authorizes $10,000,000 annually for grants to expand access to structured outdoor recreation and wellness programs for veterans.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Reduced Financial Barriers: Under Section 2(b)(4), grant amounts can be used to reduce financial costs for veterans, including equipment, program fees, and reasonable transportation costs, which helps make these wellness programs more accessible.
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Support for Veterans with Disabilities: Under Section 2(g)(1), outdoor recreation programs include adaptive or accessible activities designed specifically to accommodate veterans with disabilities, ensuring inclusive participation.
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Improved Wellness and Social Connection: Under Section 2(f)(2), programs track self-reported changes in well-being, social connectedness indicators, and physical activity engagement, pointing to a focus on bettering veterans' mental and physical health.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- None Identified: Based strictly on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions that outline negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The legislation directly benefits veterans by funding structured outdoor recreation programs aimed at enhancing their mental and physical well-being. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Program guidelines include adaptive and accessible activities specifically designed to accommodate veterans with disabilities. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill explicitly authorizes grant funds to reduce financial barriers such as equipment, program fees, and transportation costs for participating veterans.
- Healthcare
- Does this help veterans get medical care? — The legislation provides grants to State entities to expand access to nature-based wellness and therapeutic activities specifically for veterans. Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill establishes a grant program for structured outdoor recreation programs designed to improve the mental and physical well-being of veterans. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — By reducing financial barriers such as equipment and fees, the bill improves access to wellness programs for veterans.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — The legislation promotes collaboration between state entities and federal land management agencies like the National Park Service and Forest Service. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill encourages coordination with federal land management agencies to expand veteran access to public outdoor spaces. Does this invest in rural communities? — Funding outdoor recreation programs often supports rural community providers and outdoor guides.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires annual reporting by state entities on participation metrics, types of activities funded, and self-reported changes in veteran well-being. Does this leave more decisions to the states? — The bill distributes federal grant funds directly to covered State entities to administer their own veteran outdoor programs.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill authorizes $10,000,000 annually for grants to expand access to structured outdoor recreation and wellness programs for veterans.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill explicitly includes adaptive or accessible outdoor activities designed to accommodate veterans with disabilities.
- 11/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/20/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 10/6/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Maggie GoodlanderDemocrat · New Hampshire
Joe NeguseDemocrat · Colorado