CONGRESSMAN GABE EVANS' FIRST BILL PASSES THE HOUSE

Today Congressman Gabe Evans’ bipartisan Benefits that Endure for Lifetimes of Service (BELO’S) Act passed through the House of Representatives. This is Congressman Evans’ first piece of legislation to pass the House, and the bill would give free National Park lifetime passes to the families of veterans who passed away from a service-related illness or accident. 

“As a veteran, it is incredibly meaningful that my first bill to pass the House honors one of my friends — First Sergeant Marc Belo – who embodied selfless service. BELO’S Act ensures that families of heroes like him are never forgotten and gives back to those who gave everything for us by granting them free lifetime passes to enjoy America's beautiful National Parks,” said Congressman Evans.

“Our service members and their families make untold sacrifices for our country,” said Natural Resources Committee Chairman Westerman. “Rep. Evans’ bill ensures Gold Star next of kin and the family members of veterans who pass away from a service-related illness have lifetime access to our national parks at no cost. We know the power of our great outdoors to provide a place of healing and rest and I thank Rep. Evans for championing this important bill for the families of our service members.”

The bill is named after First Sergeant Marc Belo, one of Congressman Evans’ soldiers in the U.S. Army. Belo and Evans deployed to the Middle East together in 2012, and Belo passed away from service-related cancer in 2024. Belo gave 30 years of his life to his country – including being one of the first responders at the Pentagon on 9/11 and three total deployments (Iraqi Freedom in 2005, Enduring Freedom in 2012, and Kosovo in 2020).

“I and my daughter Nadija are deeply grateful for Rep. Gabe Evans for introducing the BELO’s Act in honor of my husband, 1SGT Marc Belo who passed away a year ago this week,” said Jenn Belo. “Marc’s military career was defined by leadership, courage, and sacrifice. He would be honored knowing that this bipartisan legislation will recognize the families of fallen heroes by giving them access to the beauty of our National Parks.”

The bipartisan bill was introduced in March with Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA). Read the bill text here. Belo’s obituary can be found here.