Nick Rahall: “Over the last 2 months, Members of Congress have stepped outside party boundaries, joining together and unanimously…”

“Over the last 2 months, Members of Congress have stepped outside party boundaries, joining together and unanimously supporting millions of dollars in aid to victims, families, and rescue workers affected by the September 11 attacks. However, in addition to financial assistance, I believe it is important for us to provide other forms of relief for these victims and their families during the grieving and recovery process. In times of crisis, many of us find solace in our religion. In addition, we can find solace in that great cathedral of nature. That is the premise of this bill, the Healing Opportunities in the Parks and Our Environment, or HOPE, Act. Simply put, this legislation would direct the Secretary of the Interior to create a program under which the survivors and families of the victims of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the emergency personnel who responded to that crisis, may visit our national parks, forests, and public lands free of charge.”