This week, the U.S. House passed without opposition U.S. Rep. Greg Steube’s, R-Fla., “Free Veterans from Fees Act” which he introduced in March 2019.
“This legislation waives special-use permit fees for veterans’ demonstrations and special events at war memorials administered by the National Park Service in the District of Columbia,” the congressman’s office noted. “Throughout the year, veterans’ groups and Gold Star Families visit national war memorials arranged through various veterans’ organizations. To obtain a permit for their visit, oftentimes these veterans’ groups must pay burdensome administrative fees and other processing costs related to visiting memorials.”
“It doesn’t make sense that our veterans have to pay fees for visiting memorials that were built in their honor. Its an honor to see my bipartisan legislation pass through the House of Representatives. Freeing our veterans from these fees is a small way to repay them for their service to our nation,” Steube said on Monday after the House passed his bill on a voice vote. “We owe it to our veterans to find common ground in Congress, honor their service, and make their lives easier where we can.”
Steube rounded up almost a dozen sponsors including U.S. Reps. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., Darren Soto, D-Fla., and Michael Waltz, R-Fla. There is no companion measure over in the U.S. Senate. The bill had the support of American Veterans (AMVETS).
First elected to Congress in 2018, Steube faces Democrat Allen Ellison in November. Steube is heavily favored to win in this strong Republican district.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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