AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Aug 12, 2025. Analysis updated: Sep 17, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- The bill expands eligibility for a free lifetime National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass to survivors of Armed Forces members
- Eligibility requires the servicemember's death to qualify survivors for either a death gratuity or dependency and indemnity compensation
- A death gratuity is provided when a servicemember dies on active duty or during inactive duty training
- Dependency and indemnity compensation is a separate benefit available to certain survivors of deceased servicemembers
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Survivors meeting the specified criteria would gain access to a free lifetime pass for national parks and federal recreational lands
- The bill's specific fiscal, administrative, or implementation costs are not detailed in the official summary
- No information is provided about the current scope of pass eligibility or how many survivors may be affected
03 — The Path
Now what?
- The bill passed the House on May 13, 2025, by voice vote under suspension of rules
- The Senate received the bill on May 14, 2025, and referred it to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
- The Senate committee held hearings on September 16, 2026
- No further legislative action is documented after the September 2026 hearings
Legislative History
Actions.
- Sep 16, 2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.
- May 14, 2025 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- May 13, 2025 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- May 13, 2025 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1965)
- May 13, 2025 — Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1965)
- May 13, 2025 — DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1682.
- May 13, 2025 — Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1965-1966)
- May 13, 2025 — Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.