IntroducedIntroduced Jun 11, 2025

S.RES. 272: A resolution expressing support for the designation of the second Saturday in June as "Veterans Get Outside Day".

This legislation was introduced in the on 2025-06-11. It currently has a status of Introduced.

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AI Short Summary

This resolution designates the second Saturday in June as "Veterans Get Outside Day" to promote the therapeutic and mental health benefits of outdoor recreation for veterans.

Veterans Mental Health Outdoor Recreation Commemorations

Sponsors

Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]

Primary Sponsor (R-LA)

This Senate resolution officially designates the second Saturday in June as "Veterans Get Outside Day" to encourage veterans to experience the therapeutic benefits of nature and to raise awareness of outdoor recreation as a supportive tool for veteran mental health.

Summary: Senate Resolution 272 expresses the Senate's support for establishing "Veterans Get Outside Day" on the second Saturday of June. The resolution highlights the mental health struggles within the veteran community, noting high rates of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and suicide. Recognizing that exposure to nature and green spaces has scientific therapeutic benefits, the resolution seeks to bridge gaps in mental health care by encouraging targeted outreach to veterans and promoting federal interagency collaboration to connect veterans with the outdoors.

Key Provisions:

Official Designation: Designates the second Saturday in June as "Veterans Get Outside Day."
Agency Collaboration: Encourages the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Forest Service, and the Department of the Interior to coordinate and cooperate in mutually promoting "Veterans Get Outside Day" alongside the Forest Service's existing "National Get Outdoors Day."
Formal Recognition of Health Challenges: Acknowledges critical statistics regarding veteran health, including the diagnosis of over 460,000 service members with traumatic brain injuries between 2000 and 2024, the fact that 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from PTSD or depression, and an estimated veteran suicide rate of 17.6 per day in 2022.
Support for Nature-Based Therapy: Cites research showing that outdoor exposure reduces the risks of depression, improves focus, lessens feelings of isolation, and lowers suicide risks.

Impact Analysis:

Impact on Veterans: The resolution aims to improve mental health outcomes for veterans, particularly those suffering from PTSD, TBI, anxiety, and depression, by lowering barriers to outdoor activities and encouraging participation in therapeutic nature events.
Impact on Federal Agencies: It promotes coordinated outreach among the VA, the Forest Service, and the Department of the Interior. This aligns with existing federal initiatives, such as providing veterans with free admission to national parks and forests, to leverage public lands for veteran wellness.
Legal/Policy Status: As a Senate resolution, this measure is non-binding, meaning it does not create new laws, mandate federal spending, or impose regulatory requirements. Instead, it serves as a formal expression of Senate policy and a call to action for federal agency cooperation and public awareness.

Co-Sponsors (1)

Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]

Co-Sponsor (I-ME)

Bill Rendering

119 SRES 272 ATS: Expressing support for the designation of the second Saturday in June as “Veterans Get Outside Day”.U.S. Senate2025-06-11text/xmlENPursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

III

119th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. RES. 272

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

June 11, 2025 Mr. Cassidy (for himself and Mr. King) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Expressing support for the designation of the second Saturday in June as "Veterans Get Outside Day".

Whereas, between 2000 and 2024, the Secretary of Defense found that more than 460,000 members of the Armed Forces were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries;

Whereas studies have found that, after decades of combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, 20 percent of veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress and depression;

Whereas the Department of Veterans Affairs found that veterans suffer a disproportionately higher rate of suicide compared to non-veterans, and post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, depression, and anxiety are root causes of the suicide epidemic in the veteran community, with an estimated 17.6 suicides per day in 2022;

Whereas, despite a strong effort by Congress and Department of Veterans Affairs to reduce the number of veterans’ suicides, there are still gaps in mental health care for veterans, and the United States needs to use every treatment available to support the veteran community;

Whereas studies have shown that exposure to nature and the outdoors has a positive therapeutic impact on mental health, including by resulting in lower risks of depression and improved focus and attention, and even a single day outside can improve an individual’s overall mood and lessen feelings of isolation;

Whereas studies have found that individuals with increased access to green space have a lower suicide risk;

Whereas the Forest Service sponsors a National Get Outdoors Day on the second Saturday in June to promote the health benefits of outdoor recreational activities;

Whereas the United States has recognized the need to connect veterans with nature by providing free admission to national parks and forests; and

Whereas a targeted outreach effort, such as Veterans Get Outside Day, to veterans living with post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, depression, and anxiety may lead to further participation in outside events and improved mental health outcomes: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate—

(1)

designates the second Saturday in June as "Veterans Get Outside Day"; and

(2)

encourages the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Forest Service, and the Department of the Interior to coordinate and cooperate in promoting Veterans Get Outside Day along with National Get Outdoors Day.

Official Source

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