Yvette Herrell: “I rise as a proud original cosponsor and supporter of H.R. 4300, the VIP Act, offered by my friend from Iowa…”

“I rise as a proud original cosponsor and supporter of H.R. 4300, the VIP Act, offered by my friend from Iowa, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. This legislation would codify into Federal law an initiative put into place by the Trump administration last year that grants free passes to visit our national parks, national forests, and wildlife refuges to those who deserve them most, our Nation's Active-Duty servicemembers, veterans, and Gold Star families. Our national parks and public lands are an essential part of our history and provide great recreational opportunities for the American people. Recreating in the most beautiful places our Nation has to offer brings needed healing and relaxation for those who have and still do put it all on the line to protect the freedoms each of us take for granted as Americans. As a Member of this body from southern New Mexico, I have the privilege of representing two of the most iconic landmarks in the Nation, White Sands National Park and Carlsbad Caverns. These irreplaceable components of the National Park System welcome thousands of visitors every year and provide a strong economic boost to their surrounding communities. Providing greater access to our public lands, as this bill does, will only enhance economic opportunity for gateway communities that surround our public lands and provide even greater benefits for our Active-Duty servicemen, veterans, and Gold Star families.…”