← LEADERSHIP TERMINAL

US CONGRESS · SITTING

King, Angus S., Jr.

Senator for Maine · Independent · United States

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

(a) In General.--Nothing in this subtitle may be construed-- (1) to authorize the collection of personally identifiable information of an individual who participates in the pilot program under section 1097 for the purposes of tracking firearm ownership; (2) to require any such individual to register a firearm with the Department of Vetera…

CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGS4111-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

(a) In General.--Nothing in this subtitle may be construed-- (1) to authorize the collection of personally identifiable information of an individual who participates in the pilot program under section 1097 for the purposes of tracking firearm ownership; (2) to require any such individual to register a firearm with the Department of Vetera…

TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6698 · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

(f) Funding.--Amounts available to carry out this section may be $10,000,000 and must be appropriated specifically for that purpose on and after the date of the enactment of this Act.

CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGS4111-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

(f) Funding.--Amounts available to carry out this section may be $10,000,000 and must be appropriated specifically for that purpose on and after the date of the enactment of this Act.

TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6698 · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

(d) Funding.--Amounts available to carry out this section may be $10,000,000 and must be appropriated specifically for that purpose on and after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 1097. PILOT PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO FURNISH TO CERTAIN VETERANS ITEMS USED FOR SECURE STORAGE OF FIREARMS.

TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6698 · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

(d) Funding.--Amounts available to carry out this section may be $10,000,000 and must be appropriated specifically for that purpose on and after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 1097. PILOT PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO FURNISH TO CERTAIN VETERANS ITEMS USED FOR SECURE STORAGE OF FIREARMS.

CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGS4111-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

The complete record

Every one of 221 lines we hold for King, Angus S., Jr., in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 1 of 5.

  1. (b) Personally Identifiable Information.--For purposes of this section, personally identifiable information of an individual does not include the service era or gender of the individual. ______

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGS4111-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  2. (a) In General.--Nothing in this subtitle may be construed-- (1) to authorize the collection of personally identifiable information of an individual who participates in the pilot program under section 1097 for the purposes of tracking firearm ownership; (2) to require any such individual to register a firearm with the Department of Veterans Affairs or any other Federal, State, Tribal, or local unit of government; (3) to require mandatory firearm storage for any such individual; (4) to prohibit any such individual from purchasing, owning, or possessing a firearm under section 922 of title 18, United States Code; (5) to discourage the lawful ownership of firearms; (6) to create or maintain a list of individuals participating in such pilot program; or (7) to authorize the use or retention of personally identifiable information of an individual who participates in such pilot program or the program under section 1096(a) for the purposes of tracking or inferring firearm ownership or access to firearms.

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGS4111-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  3. EDUCATION AND TRAINING. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with such organizations and agencies as the Secretary determines appropriate, shall develop and make available to veterans educational and training materials regarding the benefits of secure storage of firearms as a suicide prevention strategy. (b) Impact on Gun Ownership.--Educational and training materials made available under subsection (a) shall include information stating that seeking mental health care or other treatment from the Department of Veterans Affairs does not impact lawful ownership of firearms. SEC. 1099. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGS4111-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  4. (f) Funding.--Amounts available to carry out this section may be $10,000,000 and must be appropriated specifically for that purpose on and after the date of the enactment of this Act. (g) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means-- (A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. (2) Eligible individual.--The term ``eligible individual'' means a veteran or an individual described in section 1720I(b) of title 38, United States Code, who is not enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment of the Department of Veterans Affairs established and operated under section 1705 of such title. SEC. 1098.

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGS4111-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  5. (e) Reports to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the commencement of the pilot program, and not less frequently than annually thereafter for the duration of the [[Page S4112]] pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that includes-- (1) a description of the pilot program in a manner consistent with applicable law; (2) for the period covered by the report, the number of covered items distributed by the Veterans Health Administration and the number of covered items redeemed outside of the Veterans Health Administration under the pilot program; (3) an assessment of efforts made to increase outreach and distribution of covered items under the pilot program to eligible individuals; (4) an assessment of any obstacles to increasing outreach to eligible individuals; (5) an identification of additional steps that will be taken during the one-year period after the submission of the report to improve the processes through which eligible individuals receive a covered item under the pilot program; and (6) an identification of the service era and gender of each eligible individual who received a covered item under the pilot program, disaggregated by Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN).

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGS4111-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  6. (2) Interim guidance.--The Secretary may carry out the pilot program through interim guidance in advance of the issuance of regulations for such purpose. (3) Delegation.--The delegation of authority to the Secretary under this subsection is an express delegation of authority and shall be interpreted as such by any reviewing court or body.

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGS4111-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  7. (3) Assurance about lawful ownership of firearms.--The Secretary shall include in the public education campaign described in paragraph (1) material that assures eligible individuals that-- (A) their participation in the pilot program does not impact lawful ownership of firearms; and (B) seeking mental health care or other treatment at the Department of Veterans Affairs does not impact lawful ownership of firearms. (d) Additional Authority.-- (1) Rules and conditions.--The Secretary may prescribe such rules and conditions on the operation of the pilot program as the Secretary determines appropriate, including-- (A) the types of covered items to provide under the pilot program; and (B) other aspects of the pilot program.

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGS4111-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  8. (b) Distribution of Covered Items.--In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary may work with organizations that have experience, expertise, and business knowledge regarding covered items. (c) Public Education Campaign.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall design and carry out a public education campaign to inform eligible individuals of the availability of covered items under the pilot program. (2) Collaboration.--In carrying out the public education campaign required under paragraph (1), the Secretary may collaborate with organizations that have experience with respect to secure firearm storage devices.

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGS4111-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  9. (d) Funding.--Amounts available to carry out this section may be $10,000,000 and must be appropriated specifically for that purpose on and after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 1097. PILOT PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO FURNISH TO CERTAIN VETERANS ITEMS USED FOR SECURE STORAGE OF FIREARMS. (a) In General.--Commencing not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a five-year pilot program (in this section referred to as the ``pilot program'') to provide to an eligible individual, upon the request of the eligible individual-- (1) a covered item or a redeemable voucher to aid in the distribution of a covered item; and (2) information relating to the benefits of, and options for, secure firearm storage.

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGS4111-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  10. (c) Additional Authority.-- (1) Modifications.--The Secretary may make such modifications to the program under subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to improve or expand services provided under such program. (2) Terms and conditions.--In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary may establish such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate, including-- (A) the types of covered items to provide; and (B) other aspects of the program. (3) Delegation.--The delegation of authority to the Secretary under this subsection is an express delegation of authority and shall be interpreted as such by any reviewing court or body.

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGS4111-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  11. (b) Expansion to Include Certain Veterans.--The Secretary shall expand the program under subsection (a) to include veterans enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment of the Department established and operated under section 1705 of title 38, United States Code-- (1) with any assessed suicide risk documented via a comprehensive suicide risk evaluation conducted during the previous one-year period; (2) who can independently use a covered item or can use a covered item with assistance; (3) with respect to whom a clinician has determined that a covered item may mitigate suicide risk of the veteran; and (4) who consent to receive a covered item.

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGS4111-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  12. CODIFICATION AND EXPANSION OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROGRAM TO FURNISH TO CERTAIN VETERANS ITEMS USED FOR SECURE STORAGE OF FIREARMS. (a) Codification.--On and after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out the program of the Department of Veterans Affairs in effect as of such date of enactment to provide covered items through the Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service of the Department.

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGS4111-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  13. This subtitle may be cited as the ``Saving Our Veterans Lives Act of 2026''. SEC. 1095. COVERED ITEM DEFINED. In this subtitle, the term ``covered item'' means a device described in section 921(a)(34)(C) of title 18, United States Code, designed to prevent unauthorized use of firearms or ammunition that-- (1) is used to grant authorized access or prevent unauthorized access to a firearm or ammunition; (2) is marketed and intended as a secure firearm storage or security product; (3) is not eligible or intended for commercial or individual resale; and (4) may use physical, electronic, or other security mechanisms that meet or exceed standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials or any successor standard. SEC. 1096.

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGS4111-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  14. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4111-S4112] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6698. Mr. KING submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of title X, add the following: Subtitle H--Saving Our Veterans Lives Act of 2026 SEC. 1094. SHORT TITLE.

    CREC-2026-07-15-PT1-PGS4111-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  15. (b) Personally Identifiable Information.--For purposes of this section, personally identifiable information of an individual does not include the service era or gender of the individual. ______

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6698 · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  16. (a) In General.--Nothing in this subtitle may be construed-- (1) to authorize the collection of personally identifiable information of an individual who participates in the pilot program under section 1097 for the purposes of tracking firearm ownership; (2) to require any such individual to register a firearm with the Department of Veterans Affairs or any other Federal, State, Tribal, or local unit of government; (3) to require mandatory firearm storage for any such individual; (4) to prohibit any such individual from purchasing, owning, or possessing a firearm under section 922 of title 18, United States Code; (5) to discourage the lawful ownership of firearms; (6) to create or maintain a list of individuals participating in such pilot program; or (7) to authorize the use or retention of personally identifiable information of an individual who participates in such pilot program or the program under section 1096(a) for the purposes of tracking or inferring firearm ownership or access to firearms.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6698 · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  17. EDUCATION AND TRAINING. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with such organizations and agencies as the Secretary determines appropriate, shall develop and make available to veterans educational and training materials regarding the benefits of secure storage of firearms as a suicide prevention strategy. (b) Impact on Gun Ownership.--Educational and training materials made available under subsection (a) shall include information stating that seeking mental health care or other treatment from the Department of Veterans Affairs does not impact lawful ownership of firearms. SEC. 1099. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6698 · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  18. (f) Funding.--Amounts available to carry out this section may be $10,000,000 and must be appropriated specifically for that purpose on and after the date of the enactment of this Act. (g) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means-- (A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. (2) Eligible individual.--The term ``eligible individual'' means a veteran or an individual described in section 1720I(b) of title 38, United States Code, who is not enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment of the Department of Veterans Affairs established and operated under section 1705 of such title. SEC. 1098.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6698 · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  19. (e) Reports to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the commencement of the pilot program, and not less frequently than annually thereafter for the duration of the [[Page S4112]] pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that includes-- (1) a description of the pilot program in a manner consistent with applicable law; (2) for the period covered by the report, the number of covered items distributed by the Veterans Health Administration and the number of covered items redeemed outside of the Veterans Health Administration under the pilot program; (3) an assessment of efforts made to increase outreach and distribution of covered items under the pilot program to eligible individuals; (4) an assessment of any obstacles to increasing outreach to eligible individuals; (5) an identification of additional steps that will be taken during the one-year period after the submission of the report to improve the processes through which eligible individuals receive a covered item under the pilot program; and (6) an identification of the service era and gender of each eligible individual who received a covered item under the pilot program, disaggregated by Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN).

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6698 · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  20. (2) Interim guidance.--The Secretary may carry out the pilot program through interim guidance in advance of the issuance of regulations for such purpose. (3) Delegation.--The delegation of authority to the Secretary under this subsection is an express delegation of authority and shall be interpreted as such by any reviewing court or body.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6698 · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  21. (3) Assurance about lawful ownership of firearms.--The Secretary shall include in the public education campaign described in paragraph (1) material that assures eligible individuals that-- (A) their participation in the pilot program does not impact lawful ownership of firearms; and (B) seeking mental health care or other treatment at the Department of Veterans Affairs does not impact lawful ownership of firearms. (d) Additional Authority.-- (1) Rules and conditions.--The Secretary may prescribe such rules and conditions on the operation of the pilot program as the Secretary determines appropriate, including-- (A) the types of covered items to provide under the pilot program; and (B) other aspects of the pilot program.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6698 · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  22. (b) Distribution of Covered Items.--In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary may work with organizations that have experience, expertise, and business knowledge regarding covered items. (c) Public Education Campaign.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall design and carry out a public education campaign to inform eligible individuals of the availability of covered items under the pilot program. (2) Collaboration.--In carrying out the public education campaign required under paragraph (1), the Secretary may collaborate with organizations that have experience with respect to secure firearm storage devices.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6698 · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  23. (d) Funding.--Amounts available to carry out this section may be $10,000,000 and must be appropriated specifically for that purpose on and after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 1097. PILOT PROGRAM OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO FURNISH TO CERTAIN VETERANS ITEMS USED FOR SECURE STORAGE OF FIREARMS. (a) In General.--Commencing not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a five-year pilot program (in this section referred to as the ``pilot program'') to provide to an eligible individual, upon the request of the eligible individual-- (1) a covered item or a redeemable voucher to aid in the distribution of a covered item; and (2) information relating to the benefits of, and options for, secure firearm storage.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6698 · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  24. (c) Additional Authority.-- (1) Modifications.--The Secretary may make such modifications to the program under subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to improve or expand services provided under such program. (2) Terms and conditions.--In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary may establish such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate, including-- (A) the types of covered items to provide; and (B) other aspects of the program. (3) Delegation.--The delegation of authority to the Secretary under this subsection is an express delegation of authority and shall be interpreted as such by any reviewing court or body.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6698 · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  25. (b) Expansion to Include Certain Veterans.--The Secretary shall expand the program under subsection (a) to include veterans enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment of the Department established and operated under section 1705 of title 38, United States Code-- (1) with any assessed suicide risk documented via a comprehensive suicide risk evaluation conducted during the previous one-year period; (2) who can independently use a covered item or can use a covered item with assistance; (3) with respect to whom a clinician has determined that a covered item may mitigate suicide risk of the veteran; and (4) who consent to receive a covered item.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6698 · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  26. CODIFICATION AND EXPANSION OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROGRAM TO FURNISH TO CERTAIN VETERANS ITEMS USED FOR SECURE STORAGE OF FIREARMS. (a) Codification.--On and after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out the program of the Department of Veterans Affairs in effect as of such date of enactment to provide covered items through the Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service of the Department.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6698 · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  27. This subtitle may be cited as the ``Saving Our Veterans Lives Act of 2026''. SEC. 1095. COVERED ITEM DEFINED. In this subtitle, the term ``covered item'' means a device described in section 921(a)(34)(C) of title 18, United States Code, designed to prevent unauthorized use of firearms or ammunition that-- (1) is used to grant authorized access or prevent unauthorized access to a firearm or ammunition; (2) is marketed and intended as a secure firearm storage or security product; (3) is not eligible or intended for commercial or individual resale; and (4) may use physical, electronic, or other security mechanisms that meet or exceed standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials or any successor standard. SEC. 1096.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6698 · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  28. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4111-S4112] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6698. Mr. KING submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of title X, add the following: Subtitle H--Saving Our Veterans Lives Act of 2026 SEC. 1094. SHORT TITLE.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6698 · 2026-07-15 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  29. (B) Agreements.--The Secretary may enter into agreements with the State of Maine, units of Tribal or local government, or private entities-- (i) to carry out this section; and (ii) to develop a cooperative information center for the National Monument. ______

    CREC-2026-07-14-PT1-PGS3957-4 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  30. (ii) Procedures.--The Secretary shall collaborate with affected stakeholders to establish procedures to meet the needs of visitors to the National Monument, logging and trucking operations, and other users of roads in or adjacent to the National Monument to ensure safe interactions between active logging operations and visitors. (4) Administrative sites and visitor facilities.-- (A) In general.--To facilitate the administration of the National Monument, the Secretary may acquire, by purchase from a willing seller, donation, or exchange, not more than 10 acres of land or interests in land, including improvements, for the administration of the National Monument and visitor services outside the boundaries, but within the vicinity, of the National Monument.

    CREC-2026-07-14-PT1-PGS3957-4 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  31. (E) Forestry.--In accordance with the management plan for the National Monument, the Secretary may conduct such noncommercial timber harvests as the Secretary determines to be necessary. (F) Protection of existing access.--Nothing in this subsection affects valid existing rights, including existing rights of access through the National Monument for the removal of timber outside the boundaries of the National Monument. (G) Public safety.-- (i) In general.--The Secretary shall provide to the public appropriate safety education and notification materials to ensure safe interactions between visitors and logging trucks, equipment, and operations on roads in or adjacent to the National Monument.

    CREC-2026-07-14-PT1-PGS3957-4 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  32. (ii) Limitation.--If the Secretary determines that the gathering of fiddlehead ferns under clause (i) may adversely affect resources of the National Monument, the Secretary may limit the gathering of fiddlehead ferns under that clause in accordance with applicable regulations. (D) Public education.--In accordance with the mission of the National Park Service, the Secretary shall collaborate with local communities and Tribal governments to educate the public regarding the natural environment and history of land management in the National Monument, including the shaping of that landscape by Native communities and practices, successive generations of timber management, and other activities.

    CREC-2026-07-14-PT1-PGS3957-4 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  33. (B) Hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation on acquired land.--The Secretary shall allow hunting, fishing, or any other outdoor recreation activity on land acquired pursuant to paragraph (2)(B)-- (i) if that activity was in existence on the day before the date of acquisition of the land; and (ii) consistent with the management of that activity under the Proclamation. (C) Collection of fiddlehead ferns.-- (i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), the Secretary shall allow the gathering by hand of fiddlehead ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris) in the National Monument for noncommercial personal use and consumption by the general public.

    CREC-2026-07-14-PT1-PGS3957-4 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  34. (ii) Prohibition on use of eminent domain.--Nothing in this subsection authorizes the use of eminent domain to acquire land or an interest in land. (C) Treatment of acquired land; boundary adjustment.--On acquisition by the Secretary of any land pursuant to subparagraph (B)-- (i) the land shall be included in the National Monument; and (ii) the boundaries of the National Monument shall be adjusted accordingly. (3) Administration of national monument.-- [[Page S3958]] (A) Administration.--The Secretary shall administer the National Monument (including the land added to the National Monument under this subsection) in accordance with-- (i) this subsection; (ii) the Proclamation; and (iii) the laws generally applicable to units of the National Park System.

    CREC-2026-07-14-PT1-PGS3957-4 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  35. (B) National monument.--The term ``National Monument'' means the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in the State of Maine established by the Proclamation. (C) Proclamation.--The term ``Proclamation'' means Presidential Proclamation Number 9476, dated August 24, 2016 (54 U.S.C. 320301 note). (D) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. (2) Acquisition of additional land for national monument.-- (A) Boundary.--The boundaries of the National Monument shall be the boundaries established by the Proclamation. (B) Acquisition.-- (i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), the Secretary may acquire, by purchase from a willing seller, donation, or exchange, land or interests in land within the authorized acquisition area.

    CREC-2026-07-14-PT1-PGS3957-4 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  36. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of section 1091, add the following: (f) Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access.-- (1) Definitions.--In this subsection: (A) Authorized acquisition area.--The term ``authorized acquisition area'' means the designated area outside the boundary of the National Monument depicted as ``Authorized Acquisition Area'' on the map entitled ``Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Proposed Boundary Adjustment'', numbered 686/193,181, and dated March 2024.

    CREC-2026-07-14-PT1-PGS3957-4 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  37. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3957-S3958] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6688. Mr. KING submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S.

    CREC-2026-07-14-PT1-PGS3957-4 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  38. (B) Agreements.--The Secretary may enter into agreements with the State of Maine, units of Tribal or local government, or private entities-- (i) to carry out this section; and (ii) to develop a cooperative information center for the National Monument. ______

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6688 · 2026-07-14 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  39. (ii) Procedures.--The Secretary shall collaborate with affected stakeholders to establish procedures to meet the needs of visitors to the National Monument, logging and trucking operations, and other users of roads in or adjacent to the National Monument to ensure safe interactions between active logging operations and visitors. (4) Administrative sites and visitor facilities.-- (A) In general.--To facilitate the administration of the National Monument, the Secretary may acquire, by purchase from a willing seller, donation, or exchange, not more than 10 acres of land or interests in land, including improvements, for the administration of the National Monument and visitor services outside the boundaries, but within the vicinity, of the National Monument.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6688 · 2026-07-14 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  40. (E) Forestry.--In accordance with the management plan for the National Monument, the Secretary may conduct such noncommercial timber harvests as the Secretary determines to be necessary. (F) Protection of existing access.--Nothing in this subsection affects valid existing rights, including existing rights of access through the National Monument for the removal of timber outside the boundaries of the National Monument. (G) Public safety.-- (i) In general.--The Secretary shall provide to the public appropriate safety education and notification materials to ensure safe interactions between visitors and logging trucks, equipment, and operations on roads in or adjacent to the National Monument.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6688 · 2026-07-14 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  41. (ii) Limitation.--If the Secretary determines that the gathering of fiddlehead ferns under clause (i) may adversely affect resources of the National Monument, the Secretary may limit the gathering of fiddlehead ferns under that clause in accordance with applicable regulations. (D) Public education.--In accordance with the mission of the National Park Service, the Secretary shall collaborate with local communities and Tribal governments to educate the public regarding the natural environment and history of land management in the National Monument, including the shaping of that landscape by Native communities and practices, successive generations of timber management, and other activities.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6688 · 2026-07-14 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  42. (B) Hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation on acquired land.--The Secretary shall allow hunting, fishing, or any other outdoor recreation activity on land acquired pursuant to paragraph (2)(B)-- (i) if that activity was in existence on the day before the date of acquisition of the land; and (ii) consistent with the management of that activity under the Proclamation. (C) Collection of fiddlehead ferns.-- (i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), the Secretary shall allow the gathering by hand of fiddlehead ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris) in the National Monument for noncommercial personal use and consumption by the general public.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6688 · 2026-07-14 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  43. (ii) Prohibition on use of eminent domain.--Nothing in this subsection authorizes the use of eminent domain to acquire land or an interest in land. (C) Treatment of acquired land; boundary adjustment.--On acquisition by the Secretary of any land pursuant to subparagraph (B)-- (i) the land shall be included in the National Monument; and (ii) the boundaries of the National Monument shall be adjusted accordingly. (3) Administration of national monument.-- [[Page S3958]] (A) Administration.--The Secretary shall administer the National Monument (including the land added to the National Monument under this subsection) in accordance with-- (i) this subsection; (ii) the Proclamation; and (iii) the laws generally applicable to units of the National Park System.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6688 · 2026-07-14 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  44. (B) National monument.--The term ``National Monument'' means the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in the State of Maine established by the Proclamation. (C) Proclamation.--The term ``Proclamation'' means Presidential Proclamation Number 9476, dated August 24, 2016 (54 U.S.C. 320301 note). (D) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. (2) Acquisition of additional land for national monument.-- (A) Boundary.--The boundaries of the National Monument shall be the boundaries established by the Proclamation. (B) Acquisition.-- (i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), the Secretary may acquire, by purchase from a willing seller, donation, or exchange, land or interests in land within the authorized acquisition area.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6688 · 2026-07-14 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  45. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of section 1091, add the following: (f) Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access.-- (1) Definitions.--In this subsection: (A) Authorized acquisition area.--The term ``authorized acquisition area'' means the designated area outside the boundary of the National Monument depicted as ``Authorized Acquisition Area'' on the map entitled ``Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Proposed Boundary Adjustment'', numbered 686/193,181, and dated March 2024.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6688 · 2026-07-14 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  46. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3957-S3958] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6688. Mr. KING submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S.

    TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT 6688 · 2026-07-14 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  47. Nothing in this subtitle may be construed-- (1) to authorize the collection of personally identifiable information of an individual who participates in the pilot program under section 1097 for the purposes of tracking firearm ownership; (2) to require any such individual to register a firearm with the Department of Veterans Affairs or any other Federal, State, Tribal, or local unit of government; (3) to require mandatory firearm storage for any such individual; (4) to prohibit any such individual from purchasing, owning, or possessing a firearm under section 922 of title 18, United States Code; (5) to discourage the lawful ownership of firearms; (6) to create or maintain a list of individuals participating in such pilot program; or (7) to authorize the use or retention of personally identifiable information of an individual who participates in such pilot program or the program under section 1096(a) for the purposes of tracking or inferring firearm ownership or access to firearms.

    CREC-2026-07-13-PT1-PGS3819 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  48. EDUCATION AND TRAINING. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with such organizations and agencies as the Secretary determines appropriate, shall develop and make available to veterans educational and training materials regarding the benefits of secure storage of firearms as a suicide prevention strategy. (b) Impact on Gun Ownership.--Educational and training materials made available under subsection (a) shall include information stating that seeking mental health care or other treatment from the Department of Veterans Affairs does not impact lawful ownership of firearms. SEC. 1099. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.

    CREC-2026-07-13-PT1-PGS3819 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  49. (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out the pilot program. (g) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means-- (A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. (2) Eligible individual.--The term ``eligible individual'' means a veteran or an individual described in section 1720I(b) of title 38, United States Code, who is not enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment of the Department of Veterans Affairs established and operated under section 1705 of such title. SEC. 1098.

    CREC-2026-07-13-PT1-PGS3819 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  50. (e) Reports to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the commencement of the pilot program, and not less frequently than annually thereafter for the duration of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that includes-- (1) a description of the pilot program in a manner consistent with applicable law; (2) for the period covered by the report, the number of covered items distributed by the Veterans Health Administration and the number of covered items redeemed outside of the Veterans Health Administration under the pilot program; (3) an assessment of efforts made to increase outreach and distribution of covered items under the pilot program to eligible individuals; (4) an assessment of any obstacles to increasing outreach to eligible individuals; (5) an identification of additional steps that will be taken during the one-year period after the submission of the report to improve the processes through which eligible individuals receive a covered item under the pilot program; and (6) an identification of the service era and gender of each eligible individual who received a covered item under the pilot program, disaggregated by Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN).

    CREC-2026-07-13-PT1-PGS3819 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD