House BillHR 1682Veterans' pensions and compensationUser charges and fees
BELO’S Act
INTRO FEB 27· LAST ACTION MAY 14
READING
1MIN
COSPONSORS
5BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it offers a meaningful, enduring benefit to families who have experienced the profound loss of a loved one serving in the military. It provides a tangible gesture of gratitude and remembrance, allowing these "gold star" families to enjoy America's natural and historical sites free of charge.
If this bill becomes law, these families would have free access to federal recreation lands for life, which could reduce financial burdens and encourage outdoor recreation and healing. If it does not pass, these families would continue to pay standard fees like any other visitor, missing out on this specific recognition of their unique sacrifice.
KEY PROVISIONS
3AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
The bill amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to add a new category of individuals eligible for lifetime National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes.
This directly expands the pool of people who can receive free, lifetime access to federal recreation sites.
PROVISION 02
It specifically grants these lifetime passes to individuals who are survivors and are entitled to a death gratuity under section 1475 of title 10, United States Code.
This provision directly benefits the families of service members who received a one-time payment after a loved one's death in military service.
PROVISION 03
It also grants lifetime passes to individuals who are survivors and are entitled to dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) under chapter 13 of title 38, United States Code.
This provision directly benefits surviving spouses, children, or parents who receive ongoing monthly payments due to a service member's service-related death.
This bill matters because it offers a meaningful, enduring benefit to families who have experienced the profound loss of a loved one serving in the military. It provides a tangible gesture of gratitude and remembrance, allowing these "gold star" families to enjoy America's natural and historical sites free of charge.
If this bill becomes law, these families would have free access to federal recreation lands for life, which could reduce financial burdens and encourage outdoor recreation and healing. If it does not pass, these families would continue to pay standard fees like any other visitor, missing out on this specific recognition of their unique sacrifice.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
The bill amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to add a new category of individuals eligible for lifetime National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes.
This directly expands the pool of people who can receive free, lifetime access to federal recreation sites.
high
It specifically grants these lifetime passes to individuals who are survivors and are entitled to a death gratuity under section 1475 of title 10, United States Code.
This provision directly benefits the families of service members who received a one-time payment after a loved one's death in military service.
high
It also grants lifetime passes to individuals who are survivors and are entitled to dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) under chapter 13 of title 38, United States Code.
This provision directly benefits surviving spouses, children, or parents who receive ongoing monthly payments due to a service member's service-related death.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act
A federal law that gives government agencies the authority to charge fees for people to use certain recreation sites and services on federal lands, and how those fees can be spent.
Lifetime Pass
A special pass that grants free entry to national parks and other federal recreation areas for the entire life of the person holding it.
Death Gratuity
A one-time payment made by the government to the designated beneficiaries (like a spouse or child) of a service member who dies while on active duty or within a short period after leaving service.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Monthly payments provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to surviving spouses, children, or parents of service members who died from a service-related injury or illness.
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
An interagency pass that provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the nation, managed by agencies like the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management.
ACTION TIMELINE
9 EVENTS
MAY 14, 25
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
INTROREFERRAL
MAY 13, 25
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
FLOOR
MAY 13, 25
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1965-1966)
FLOOR
MAY 13, 25
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1682.