STATEMENT OF HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR., A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this hearing today on the Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act, an amendment to the Sikes Act.

The Sikes Act authorizes the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with the States, to carry out cooperative fish and wildlife conservation and management efforts on DOD property. This is a very important statute, in that the Department of Defense happens to control nearly 300 million acres of fish and wildlife habitat.

The Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act amends the Sikes Act to allow DOD to facilitate improved access to these properties for disabled individuals. In this way, the legislation that we are considering today could improve access to DOD property for all disabled individuals alike—including disabled veterans, military dependents with disabilities, and others with disabilities-for the purposes of hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities on military lands. The facilitation of these activities would be carried out using donations of funding, materials and labor-no Federal funding is authorized in the bill.

Under the bill, the facilitation of these recreational opportunities for persons with disabilities must be conducted in a manner "consistent with the primary military mission of the installations" and "without substantial modification to the natural environment." The interpretation of this last phrase is something that I am interested in hearing about from our witnesses here today.

Other than that, I think this bill is fairly straightforward and should be without controversy.

I welcome today's witnesses, and I look forward to hearing their testimony. [The prepared statement of Mr. Young follows:]

STATEMENT OF HON. DON YOUNG, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF ALASKA

As a cosponsor of H.R. 2760, I am pleased that we are having this Subcommittee hearing today on the Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act.

This legislation, which would amend the Sikes Act, is an innovative way to create opportunities for disabled Americans to hunt and fish. It would encourage the Department of Defense (DOD) to work with local volunteers to build hunting blinds and fishing piers that can be used by disabled persons on some of the 30 million acres under DOD's jurisdiction.

While not limited to retired military personnel, there are some 78,000 veterans in this Nation who are confined to wheelchairs with spinal cord injuries. Five years ago, Lt. Col. Lewis Deal, with the support of his commanding officer, began a program at the Quantico Marine Base to build four handicap-accessible deer stands. This program has been a tremendous success and it is a model for the rest of the 900 U.S. military installations.

The goal of H.R. 2760 is to build upon the success of the Quantico experience and to expand, where appropriate, additional opportunities for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent activities. Under the terms of this measure, the Department would be able to accept donations of private money, materials, and volunteer time to facilitate the construction of facilities accessible to sportsmen with disabilities.

This is an excellent proposal and I compliment our colleague, Duke Cunningham, for introducing this fine bill, Lt. Col. Lewis Deal for his compassion for disabled sportsmen, and the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus for championing this important cause. It is not surprising that this bill is supported by a wide range of groups including the Disabled American Veterans, International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Safari Club International, Wheeling Sportsmen of America, and the Wildlife Management Institute.

Finally, I look forward to hearing from our distinguished witnesses. In particular, I am pleased that the Subcommittee will hear from Lt. Col. Larry Gerlach. Col. Gerlach was the Commander of the Marine Barracks in Lebanon when it was demolished by an insane terrorist on October 23, 1983. This Nation owes a great debt of gratitude to Col. Gerlach and all of the Marines who were in that barracks on that terrible day. His support for this legislation alone is a reason to move it forward. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Cunningham, I believe you are the sponsor of this bill and perhaps you would like to begin.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. SAXTON. Welcome aboard.

STATEMENT OF HON. RANDY “DUKE” CUNNINGHAM, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFOR

NIA

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Thank you, Jim. We'd like to, all of us sponsoring this bill-and you can see behind us the number of people we have and I'd just like to submit this for the record, instead of going through this whole thing. Disabled sportsmen have had other disadvantages besides personal ones in their life, and that's to participate in activities that most of you and I are able to do.

This program is modeled on a program at Quantico started by Lieutenant Colonel Lewis Deal, who will testify in just a minute. We've got fishing piers, we've got hunting areas, we've got things that disabled sportsmen can utilize and inprove the quality of their own lives. I can't imagine being stuck disabled for the rest of my life. And if I had any opportunity to participate in some of the normal functions of society, I think that that would be good.

This is a system which is very successful. It's a good idea and we've got private individuals to invest. I was just talking to the Colonel and we're trying to get the NFL to donate some of the lifts for us in different areas. And with that, I'd like your consideration and your help. Any changes that any of you on either side of the aisle have, we will be more than willing to look at those. But we think it's a pretty good program as is and we ask for your support. Instead of going through this whole thing, for the time, I will just submit for the record, Mr. Chairman.

[The prepared statement of Mr. Cunningham follows:]

STATEMENT OF HON. RANDY “DUKE” CUNNINGHAM, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Chairman Saxton, members of the Committee, thank you for holding this hearing on the Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act, H.R. 2760. I appreciate the opportunity to bring this legislation before you today.

I introduced this legislation to expand opportunities for sportsmen with disabilities to hunt and fish on Department of Defense facilities. In addition, this legislation will allow the Department to work with private organizations to construct facilities and operate programs specifically for sportsmen with disabilities.

Background

This legislation is based on a program run at nearby Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. This program, created by Lt. Col. Lewis Deal, who will testify later in this hearing, is one of the nation's most successful disabled hunting programs. With the help of volunteers and donated materials, Col. Deal has built eight permanent disabled accessible hunting blinds.

In addition, Quantico is constructing a fishing pier which will be accessible for people with disabilities. This pier is designed by the Paralyzed Veterans of America and is a model for everyone in America to use.

Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act

The legislation before you today builds upon this successful program by encouraging the Department of Defense to provide improved access for disabled individuals, when appropriate and within the military mission. I want to stress that this bill protects the primary purpose of our nation's military, the defense of our nation. Nothing in this legislation is intended to hinder the ability of the nation's fighting forces.

However, this legislation is intended to expand the opportunities which our military installations offer for outdoor recreational activities. These programs and opportunities are available in many cases to both civilian and military personnel. However, there has never been a concentrated effort to provide access for people

with disabilities. This bill is intended to change that by providing improved access for sportsmen with disabilities.

Donations

The second component of this legislation will allow the Department of Defense to accept donations of money, material and volunteers for the construction of the facilities necessary to accommodate sportsmen with disabilities. This will allow the Department to help sportsmen with disabilities hunt and fish at no additional cost to the Federal Government.

Support

This legislation is strongly supported by Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, The Retired Officers Association, Wheeling Sportsmen of America, Pioneers for the American Dream, Safari Club International, Wildlife Legislative Fund of America, and the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

This bill is also supported by Haas Outdoors Inc., the manufacturer of Mossy Oak camouflage. President Toxey Haas says, "The access to military lands for the purposes of hunting and fishing that H.R. 2760 provides will go a long way toward the rehabilitation of our veterans who have given so much for us all."

The Archery Manufacturers and Merchants Organization, President Dick Lattimer, says "a great number of paralyzed vets enjoy hunting with bow and arrow, and for that reason I would like to help you in whatever way I can."

Buckmasters Magazine supports this bill by saying, "this important legislation will create new opportunities for the disabled, exercising their God-given rights to hunt and fish and enjoy the outdoors."

The common theme in all of these letters of support is the importance of outdoor recreation in improving people's quality of life. This legislation can provide that benefit to people who are too often denied access to our nation's precious wildlife and natural beauty.

Action

Mr. Chairman, I know that you are aware that this legislation is included in the fiscal year 1999 Defense Authorization legislation (H.R. 3616), which was reported by the House National Security Committee on Wednesday, May 6, 1998. I hope that this Committee of jurisdiction will take prompt action to favorably pass this legisla

tion.

Closing

Mr. Chairman, America has always provided for its veterans. This legislation lets us give a little back to our veterans who have given so much.

Thank you.

Mr. SAXTON. The chances for great success for your bill have been enhanced by the brevity of your statement.

Mr. Peterson.

STATEMENT OF HON. COLLIN PETERSON, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF MINNESOTA

Mr. PETERSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I, too, would just ask that, without objection, my statement be made a part of the record. In Minnesota at Camp Ripley, a National Guard camp that trains people from all over the United States, we have a hunt that's been going on for some time where we bring disabled people in for a deer hunt. The veterans' groups have become involved, and they hunt with shotguns and some handguns. It's very successful and something that's really appreciated by the disabled veterans and others in our area and I think it's something that we ought to do all over the country.

So here we have an example of something that works and this bill is a good way to expand it to other places in the country and we'd appreciate your support.

[The prepared statement of Mr. Peterson follows:]

STATEMENT OF HON. COLLIN C. PETERSON, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF MINNESOTA

I would first like to thank Chairman Saxton and the members of this Committee for giving me the opportunity to testify before you today. I strongly support this legislation which encourages the Department of Defense to provide improved access for disabled veterans on military installations for hunting, fishing, boating and other outdoor activities. The goal of this legislation is to enable the Department of Defense to accept private donations, material and volunteers for the construction of facilities accessible to sportsmen with disabilities, and to provide access to military installations through various recreational programs.

A good example of the type of program which I believe can be applied nationwide happens in Minnesota-at Camp Ripley. The entire Camp Ripley is a state game refuge. However, this past October, Camp Ripley hosted close to 40 disabled veterans who used both shotguns and in some cases, handguns, to hunt white tail deer for three days. This is a great program which allows veterans to enjoy nature by getting back into the woods again. The deer hunt has become very popular and has been drawing more and more participants every year. In fact, the number of disabled veterans who want to participate in the hunt has been growing rapidly since the program began about five years ago. The entire hunt is planned so as not to interrupt any training exercises which occur at Camp Ripley. The program is not difficult to implement and is also administered in a safety conscious manner-especially with the help of volunteers who assist each veteran one-on-one during the hunt.

I believe that the annual white tail deer hunt at Camp Ripley, Minnesota is a highly successful program which deserves to be used as an example of what can be done across the country at different military installations. I support The Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act as a means of facilitating these types of programs nationwide.

Mr. SAXTON. Thank you very much. Mr. Chambliss.

STATEMENT OF HON. SAXBY CHAMBLISS, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF GEORGIA

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I, too, have a prepared statement for the record that I think has already been submitted, and I want to just take the opportunity to thank Duke Cunningham for introducing this legislation. I know Collin feels the same way I do. It's one of the proud moments that we've had the opportunity to serve in Congress on with respect to cosponsoring a piece of legislation like this.

I've been very fortunate in my lifetime in the area where I live in south Georgia to be able to hunt and fish with my son on a regular basis, and for these folks to have more of an opportunity to do this in other areas of the country, I think is one of the best possible things that we can do with respect to the disabled folks in this country. And it's one of the best utilitizations of public lands that we can make.

I think the idea is just a terrific idea and I think deserves the strong support of this Committee. Of course, you and I serve on the National Security Committee together. This legislation is a part of our Defense Authorization bill that we passed in committee last week and will be going to the floor next week.

You were a strong proponent of it in the National Security Committee, and I know you will see to its swift passage in this Subcommittee and Full Committee, and we thank you for your reception of us this morning.

[The prepared statement of Mr. Chambliss follows:]

STATEMENT OF HON. SAXBY CHAMBLISS, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF GEORGIA

Thank you Chairman Saxton and Members of the Committee for holding this hearing today. I am pleased to have the opportunity to join my colleague Representative Duke Cunningham and thank him for introducing the bill, H.R. 2760 The Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act. As an original co-sponsor of the legislation and the vice chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, I strongly support this bill. Mr. Chairman, as a member of the House National Security Committee along with you, I am pleased that we included the Disabled Sportsmen's Access Act in last week's fiscal year 1999 Department of Defense Authorization Bill.

All my life I have enjoyed hunting and fishing. Fortunately, my son and I have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors together-whether it's quail hunting in south Georgia, pheasant hunting together in the midwest or fishing in one of our favorite ponds scattered across our state. Indeed, these times are priceless for a father and

son.

This legislation ensures that every father and son, even if they are disabled will have the same opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors in a way that is so satisfying. As Mr. Cunningham has said, this legislation expands opportunities for sportsmen with disabilities to hunt and fish on Department of Defense facilities. This bill will also allow the Department to work with private organizations to construct facilities and operate programs specifically for sportsmen with disabilities.

Based on the disabled hunting and fishing program run at nearby Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, this legislation is a common-sense way to provide opportunities for these activities to individuals across America.

While I do not want to restate any of the details of the legislation that my colleague Mr. Cunningham has just presented, I do want to share with you the fact that this legislation has broad support from veterans groups, organizations representing the disabled and from a litany of outdoors and hunting and fishing groups.

Again, I thank you Mr. Chairman for holding this hearing today. It is a non-partisan issue that ensures we provide opportunities to those who too often do not have the chance to participate in hunting and fishing activities. Mr. Chairman, it is my hope that this hearing today by your Subcommittee is an indicator that the House Resources Committee will take prompt action on favorably passing this bill. I commend my colleague Mr. Cunningham and look forward to hearing the testimony of other panelists today.

Mr. SAXTON. Thank you very much. And let me just say that this bill is moving on two tracks, and the reason that it is moving on two tracks is because you three have been such great proponents for it. And we appreciate that, and I am sure that either through the free-standing bill that we are dealing with today or through the Defense Authorization bill, that within a few months, this will become a law. And it's because of your great work that we are in the position that we are, so thank you very much for your great effort. Mr. CUNNINGHAM. And the service chiefs-I have talked to all of them-support this, too.

Mr. SAXTON. Very good. Thank you very much. We will break now for our vote. When we get back, we will proceed with panel No. 2, Sherri Goodman, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, and Lietenant Colonel Lewis Deal, Executive Officer, Weapons Training Battalion, from Quantico. We appreciate you being with us as well, so while we are gone, you can get yourselves set up there.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is here and some of us have been invited to meet with him at 11 o'clock, so hopefully, we will be able to conclude this so that we don't have to take a break for that and then come back. So I will rush over and be back within 5 or 10 minutes. Thank you very much.

[Recess.]