Congresswoman Claudia Tenney Holds Press Conference Highlighting Her Amendment Allowing Veterans Access to Fitness Centers

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) held a press conference at her New Hartford district office to highlight her amendment that fixes a 2013 technicality that bars veterans and military retirees from fitness facilities located on civilian sites, like the Colosseum Gym in Rome at the former Griffiss Air Force Base. Her amendment was included in the text of the National Defense Authorization that passed the House last week. Congresswoman Tenney was joined by Melvin Derr, Master Sergeant Retired USAF, Emil Paparella, Oneida County Legislator District 23 and Laura and Eric Noble. They were all directly impacted by the 2013 technicality.

"Since 2013, veterans and retired military personnel have been denied access to the fitness facility at Griffiss and unfortunately the issue has been ignored by our federal representatives in the past. I am proud of the work our office did to ensure this important initiative was included in the final package. Veterans have sacrificed so much in service to our nation. It's important that we continue to support them after retirement by providing access to facilities like the Colosseum Gym. My amendment corrects current language to give the secretaries of the respective military branches the opportunity to open the doors to our veterans once again," said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. "This is the first step towards allowing our nation's heroes access to gyms such as the Colosseum Gym. I urge the Senate take up and pass this amendment with their version of NDAA, and I will continue to advocate the Secretary to use this newly granted authority to open the Colosseum to veterans."

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