Veterans service organizations urge Congress to pass sweeping veterans legislation

Veterans service organizations came together Tuesday in Washington, D.C. to advocate for the passage of the bipartisan Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.

Representatives from the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Military Officers Association of America and the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans urged Congress to pass the legislation, which includes over 90 sections addressing such issues as long-term care, mental health, caregivers, education, job training and modernization of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“The bill has earned champions on both sides of the aisle and the impassioned support of a united veterans community,” Dole said. “I’m truly honored that this legislation bears my name, but I’m even more grateful for the life-changing and life-saving measures it will bring to those who served their nation, and their caregivers.”

Supporters had hoped the legislation, the largest veterans’ bill before the current Congress, would have come to the floor of the House for a vote prior to Memorial Day, but that did not happen.

In response, dozens of advocacy groups signed off on a May 24 letter to House and Senate leaders urging them to pass the bill before the July 4 holiday.

“For all those who have served and all those considering service in the future, this is a moment to show that we can put politics aside, even when it’s an election year, and come together to perform a most noble responsibility: to care for all who have borne the battle. Bring this bill to the floor now,” Dole said.

Chanin Nuntavong, executive director of The American Legion’s Government Affairs Office in Washington, D.C., said if the legislation is not passed, veterans and their families will be harmed.

“Veterans and their families and caregivers will see reduced healthcare services and reduced employment opportunities,” he said.

To learn more about the legislation, visit here.

Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com .