File #: Res 0116-2018    Version: * Name: Wounded Veterans Recreation Act of 2017 (S.355)
Type: Resolution Status: Filed (End of Session)
Committee: Committee on Veterans
On agenda: 1/31/2018
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling on Congress to pass, and the President to sign, S.355, the Wounded Veterans Recreation Act of 2017
Sponsors: Eric A. Ulrich, Justin L. Brannan
Council Member Sponsors: 2
Attachments: 1. Res. No. 116, 2. January 31, 2018 - Stated Meeting Agenda, 3. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 01-31-2018, 4. Minutes of the Stated Meeting - January 31, 2018

Res. No. 116

 

Resolution calling on Congress to pass, and the President to sign, S.355, the Wounded Veterans Recreation Act of 2017

 

By Council Members Ulrich and Brannan

                     Whereas, Since the founding of our Republic, veterans have sacrificed their bodies and lives in defense of the liberties that undergird our way of life; and

                     Whereas, However, it is imperative that we honor their service, to compensate for the dangers they have faced, and to ensure that future generations stand ready to defend the flag; and

                     Whereas, In the immortal words of George Washington; “the willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive how the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation”; and

                     Whereas, In the 20th century, the establishment of the Veterans Administration (VA) and the passage of the GI bill allowed millions of veterans to obtain not only comprehensive health care but also low-cost college educations and low-interest loans to buy homes and start businesses; and

                     Whereas, According to the International Business Times, more than 900,000 soldiers were injured during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; and

                     Whereas, A 2015 report from the Congressional Research Service (CRS) found that approximately 327,000 service members suffered from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) between 2000 and 2015; and

                     Whereas, These injuries are particularly deleterious and in many instances lead to partial or total loss of mental and motor function as well as severe mood swings and gastrointestinal distress; and

                     Whereas, In light of these immense sacrifices, it is incumbent upon all levels of government to provide the best possible benefits and opportunities for those who have worn the uniform; and

                     Whereas, S. 355 would amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to instruct the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to make the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass available, without charge and for the lifetime of the passholder, to any veteran with a service-connected disability; and

                     Whereas, The beauty of our national parks, from Yellowstone to Yosemite, from Grand Teton to the Grand Canyon, is unique and unparalleled in this world, and this measure would allow the finest among us to experience these wonders free of charge for life; and                                                               Whereas, Passage of this legislation would reflect the wisdom of our first President and maintain the traditions we have established in our great nation for more than 230 years; now, therefore, be it                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on Congress to pass, and the president to sign, S. 355, the Wounded Veterans Recreation Act of 2017

LS#5020

1/12/18

MK