U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer, Maggie Hassan, John Boozman, and Elissa Slotkin introduced the Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act on Mar. 27 to support outdoor recreation as a form of recovery and reintegration for veterans. The proposed legislation aims to create a federal grant program enabling state veterans’ agencies to develop or expand nature-based activities for former service members.
The bill responds to ongoing concerns about mental health among veterans, including anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as highlighted in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. Supporters say structured outdoor programs can help reduce symptoms and improve well-being among those who have served.
If passed, the act would provide each participating state with at least $200,000 annually to run or partner on recreational initiatives tailored to local veterans’ needs and abilities. States are encouraged to collaborate with federal land management agencies and must collect data on participation and mental health outcomes.
“Let’s face it, for a lot of veterans, healing doesn’t happen in a doctor’s office,” said Cramer. “One of our nation’s greatest veterans and of course, eventually the Commander in Chief, the President, Theodore Roosevelt, escaped to North Dakota’s badlands after the death of his wife and mother on the same day. After that inexplicable great grief, he credits North Dakota’s outdoors as the place where the romance of his life began. Sometimes healing begins in places like a quiet trail, by the water, or under an open sky. Our bill helps state veterans’ agencies expand outdoor recreation opportunities so that more of the men and women who served our country can find their healing, hope, and a sense of calm in the outdoors once again much like Theodore Roosevelt did.”
“This bipartisan bill will expand access to outdoor rehabilitative and wellness programs for the brave men and women who have sacrificed to keep us safe secure and free,” said Hassan. “Outdoor recreation is good not only for our physical health but it has also been shown to improve our mental health. This bill is one more way to get veterans the support that they have earned and deserved.”
Boozman said: “Veterans often find comfort and healing in the great outdoors so helping increase their opportunities for healthy rehabilitation in those settings is important… Our former servicemembers in Arkansas and nationwide struggling with anxiety depression and effects of PTSD will benefit from this commonsense bipartisan solution that taps into their love for outdoor recreation through programs close to where they are… I am pleased to join my colleagues in this effort…”
The program builds upon previous efforts such as provisions from the Veterans COMPACT Act of 2020 which established recommendations regarding veteran use of federal lands for recreational therapy.
The legislation has received backing from organizations including North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (NDDVA), American Legion,Veterans Outdoor Advocacy Group,the Action Foundation,Veterans Of Foreign Wars,and National Association Of State Park Directors.
“I thank Senator Cramer for bringing forward this important bill,” said an NDDVA representative.“Outdoor excursions have been proven to significantly improve mental & physical well-being… Programs like these have helped many begin new chapters…”
Other supporters echoed similar sentiments about long-term benefits:“Veterans continue processing experiences long after military career ends… Studies increasingly show time spent outdoors can improve well-being strengthen community & support transition…”
Cramer assists North Dakotans with federal agencies according to his official website. He grew up in Kindred,N.D., holds degrees from Concordia College & University Of Mary,and previously served three terms as at-large U.S.Representative before joining Senate.He serves on committees covering Environment And Public Works,Veterans’ Affairs,Banking,Housing,& Urban Affairs.According To His Official Website,Cramer ran on energy policy & national strength platform,is first North Dakotan on Senate Armed Services Committee,& he & wife Kris raised five children enjoying time with eight grandchildren.
