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Amidst Debt Debate, IAVA to Testify Before Senate on Cost of Supporting New Vets
Posted by Michelle McCarthy on July 26 2011

Following IAVA's meeting at the White House this afternoon on the impact of debt default on veterans and their families, IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff will testify before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee this Wednesday at a hearing on “Examining the Lifetime Costs of Supporting the Newest Generation of Veterans.” Ahead of large-scale troop withdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan, the hearing will examine the long-term impact of the wars and how the public and private sectors can join forces to support new veterans from their initial transition home through the rest of their lives.

WHEN: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 10 a.m. Viewers can watch a live stream of the testimony here.

WHERE: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 562

WATCH ONLINE: Supporters can watch a live stream of the SVAC testimony here.

“With national attention focused on the debt ceiling debate, this hearing should remind Washington how much is at stake for our young military veterans and for the future of our nation. I am honored to represent our national membership at this hearing and to convey the stories of hardship and sacrifice we’ve heard from IAVA members across the country,” said IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff.

Lifetime costs for Iraq and Afghanistan vets will be expensive and complex. But our men and women are worth the investment. Future doctors, teachers, business leaders and even members of Congress are returning home from war right now. We must pave the way for the Innovation Generation, and ensure they have the resources and support they need to reach their full potential.”

“This hearing will be a chance to reaffirm the lifetime commitment we have to the newest generation of veterans and to examine what the real price of meeting their needs will be far into the future,” said Senator Patty Murray, Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “This is a non-negotiable commitment to those who have served and sacrificed, so we need to be prepared today. I’m so pleased that IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff will join us to remind us of what’s at stake for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans at this critical time.”

Read IAVA's 2011 Policy Agenda to learn more about the issues impacting our nation's newest generation of veterans. Iraq or Afghanistan veteran? You can join the conversation live during the testimony beginning at 10:00am EST inside IAVA's Community of Veterans.

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