Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 183) to amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to provide for a lifetime National Recreational Pass for law enforcement officers, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 183
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act''. SEC. 2. NATIONAL RECREATIONAL PASSES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS.
Section 805(b) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6804(b)) is amended--
(1) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3) Annual passes.--The Secretary shall make the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass available, at no cost, to--
``(A) a member of the Armed Forces and their dependents; or
``(B) a law enforcement officer or firefighter, who provide adequate proof of eligibility for such pass as determined by the Secretary.''.
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Firefighter.--The term `firefighter' means any employee of the Federal Government, a State, a unit of local government, or an Indian Tribe who performs work directly related to suppressing fires, including wildland fires.
``(B) Law enforcement officer.--The term `law enforcement officer' means any officer, agent, or employee of the Federal Government, a State, a unit of local government, or an Indian Tribe authorized by law or by a government agency to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, or investigation of any violation of criminal law or who is authorized by law to supervise sentenced criminal offenders.''.
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Mr. STAUBER. 183, the bill now under consideration.
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Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 183, the Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreational Pass Act, led by my friend and colleague on the Natural Resources Committee Representative McClintock.
This legislation helps recognize the selfless service of Federal, State, Tribal, and local law enforcement officers and firefighters with a well-deserved benefit: free annual access to national parks, forests, and other public lands managed by the Federal Government.
This meaningful legislation will ensure that the men and women who risk their lives to protect our communities can enjoy free access to our Nation's most treasured public lands.
Law enforcement officers and firefighters also play a critical role in protecting our public lands by responding to wildland fires, conducting search and rescue operations, responding to criminal activity, and preventing vandalism and resource destruction.
For example, just over 1 year ago, on a busy Fourth of July weekend, Yellowstone National Park law enforcement officers neutralized a potential shooter headed toward a busy dining area in one of the most popular areas of the park. Their selfless actions and heroism saved countless lives, ensuring that this day of celebration did not turn into a day of tragedy.
Whether it is a local sheriff in Minnesota, a wildland firefighter in California, or a Tribal police officer in Missouri, our law enforcement officers and firefighters dedicate themselves to the safety and well- being of others, often under incredibly difficult and dangerous circumstances. This legislation gives something back to those who give so much.
This bill also promotes the use of public lands for recreation, health, and family time, particularly among those who may face long hours, stressful shifts, and dangerous conditions. Outdoor recreation is good for both mental and physical well-being, and this bill ensures that our first responders can take full advantage of America's natural beauty.
I commend Representative McClintock for his leadership on this bill and his continued work to expand outdoor access for the American people.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, pro- recreation, pro-first-responder legislation. Let's honor those who serve by giving them the opportunity to enjoy the lands that they help protect.
Madam Speaker, I support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Agriculture, Washington, DC, July 9, 2025. Hon. Bruce Westerman, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: This letter confirms our mutual understanding regarding H.R. 183, the ``Law Enforcement Officer Recreation Pass Act.'' Thank you for collaborating with the Committee on Agriculture on the matters within our jurisdiction.
The Committee on Agriculture will forego any further consideration of this bill. However, by foregoing consideration at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over any subject matter contained in this or similar legislation. The Committee on Agriculture also reserves the right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees, should it become necessary, and ask that you support such a request.
We would appreciate a response to this letter confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 183 and request a copy of our letters on this matter be published in the Congressional Record during Floor consideration. Sincerely, Glenn ``GT'' Thompson, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC, July 9, 2025. Hon. Glenn ``GT'' Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: I write regarding our mutual understanding of H.R. 183, the Law Enforcement Officer Recreation Pass Act, which was ordered report by the Committee on Natural Resources.
I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture and appreciate your willingness to forgo further consideration of the bill. I acknowledge that the Committee on Agriculture will not formally consider H.R. 183 and agree that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill does not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained therein.
I am pleased to support your request to name members of the Committee on Agriculture to any conference committee to consider such provisions. I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation. Sincerely, Bruce Westerman, Chairman.
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Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, I will make a comment that the Republican Party will always defend the police, not defund them.
Madam Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock), the lead sponsor of this bill.
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Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, I will close by saying that 2 weeks ago, in the One Big Beautiful Bill, there were 18,000 law enforcement officers that were to be hired. Not one of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle voted for it.
Mr. Speaker, ahead of our Nation's 250th anniversary next year, this bill ensures meaningful access to our national parks and public lands and recognizes the immense service and sacrifice of our Nation's law enforcement officers and firefighters.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
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