VFW Action Corps Weekly
Tell Congress to Include VFW Priority: As we speak, the House and Senate Committees on Armed Services are negotiating their versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. An important VFW legislative priority, S.2888 / H.R.3933, TAP Promotion Act, is currently in the House version (Section 563) only. Ensuring veterans receive their VA benefits and health care as soon as they leave the military facilitates a smooth transition, and can also reduce the risk of homelessness, food insecurity, and suicide. Tell Congress to keep the TAP Promotion Act in the final version of the defense bill to make permanent VA’s practice of including accredited claims representatives in TAP classes.
VFW Junior Vice Commander Conference: The VFW held its annual three-day foundational training conference in Kansas City, Mo., to prepare Department Junior Vice Commanders for their command year. Attendees received briefings from various business lines of the organization. VFW National Legislative Deputy Director Kristina Keenan provided information about the VFW's current legislative priorities and how to encourage participation from our members. A primary recommendation is to stay informed about legislative activism through the VFW Action Corps Weekly and periodic Action Alerts. Take action on the latest alert!
Legislators Urge VA to Evaluate Radiation Exposure at K2: In a recent letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Jon Tester, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano, and Senator Richard Blumenthal are urging evaluation of the effects of radiation exposure on veterans who served at Karshi-Khanabad (K2) Air Base in Uzbekistan. The legislators wrote, “Veterans who served at K-2 are suffering from adverse health conditions at high rates. That is why Congress included Uzbekistan in the list of locations where veterans are presumed to be exposed to hazardous airborne toxins,” and they “…respectfully request VA utilize its authority under the PACT Act to ensure those harmed by radiation exposure at K-2 are provided the health care and benefits they have earned.” Read the letter or learn more about the PACT Act.
Defense Department to Restore Honorable Discharges: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced that a review of military records this past year has resulted in more than 800 service members who were administratively separated under the since repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy now having honorable discharges. Veterans who leave the military without honorable discharges usually suffer some loss of eligibility for VA benefits, including educational and health care. Any veteran discharged due to sexual orientation is eligible to apply for a review to potentially have the status upgraded. Read more.