Things have been really busy up on Capitol Hill for IAVA. Last week, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the TEAM Act of 2020 (S.4393). IAVA has been fighting hard for this legislation along with a coalition of 30 other military and veteran service organizations known as Toxic Exposures in the American Military (TEAM). This legislation would give vets greater access to testing and treatment, provide additional resources to sick veterans, and expand training on toxic exposure issues for VA health care and benefits personnel. It is time to take action and ensure that sick veterans are taken care of.

The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) held a markup hearing this week. In a huge step forward, the Deborah Sampson Act (S. 514) passed out of committee during the markup. Additionally, five other IAVA supported bills were discussed and passed out of committee, which is one more step closer to the legislation becoming law. 

This legislation is one of IAVA’s top priorities and the centerpiece of our #SheWhoBorneTheBattle campaign, which launched in 2017 to fill gaps in care for women veterans. The Deborah Sampson Act would eliminate barriers to care that many women veterans face and ensure the VA can address the needs of women veterans. According to IAVA’s most recent annual survey, women veterans are more likely than their male peers to face homelessness, unemployment, and lack of access to adequate healthcare services. You can watch the markup here, and read IAVA’s press release here.

IAVA celebrated another big win on Wednesday night, when the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act (S.785) passed the Senate! The legislation, which is named after a former Navy SEAL who died by suicide in 2018 will make critical reforms in how America confronts the veteran suicide crisis. In IAVA’s most recent annual survey, 62 percent of our members report personally knowing a veteran who has died by suicide, a shocking increase of 22 percent since 2014. This is why combating suicide is the top priority of our Big 6.

It is estimated that more than 20 veterans die by suicide every day in the United States. Of those, 14 are not under the care of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Key provisions of this legislation include increased telehealth capabilities to veterans, expanded complementary and alternative therapy programs, and the creation of a community grant program to enhance VA outreach in the community to help identify isolated veterans and provide mental health services.  

Unemployment numbers

The unemployment numbers for the month of July were just released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Post-9/11 veteran unemployment rate is 8.2 percent, down from 13 percent from April. This is slightly higher than the total veteran unemployment rate of 7.9 percent. Both the total veteran unemployment rate and the post-9/11 veteran unemployment rate continue to stay below the national unemployment rate of 10.2 percent.

Our nation is entering the seventh month of the COVID-19 pandemic, and there does not appear to be an end in sight. While the number of unemployed Americans fell by 1.4 million this past month, 16.3 million are still unemployed. Our country may likely feel the economic impact for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, post-9/11 veterans will feel the impact of this crisis more so than other Americans. According to IAVA’s 10th Annual Member Survey, 35 percent of IAVA members report that it is difficult to cover their expenses in a typical month.

New Cosponsors on IAVA-Backed Legislation

We have gotten a few additional co-sponsors on IAVA legislation this week. Thank you Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Jack Reed (D-RI) for co-sponsoring the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act (S.785)! Also a big thank you to Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and  Joe Manchin (D-WV) for co-sponsoring the Deborah Sampson Act (S. 514)! 

IAVA Has Your Back

We know that this time can be stressful and IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF) is here to help! This program provides 24/7 peer support, comprehensive care management, resource connections, and can help with accessing your VA benefits. To get connected to a Veteran Care Manager for immediate help anytime, day or night, please call 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) or fill out our online form. Our services are remote, free, and confidential and QRF is here for all veterans, regardless of era, discharge status, or location. If you are a veteran or a veteran family member facing challenges or have questions, QRF is here to help you get back on your feet and meet your goals.

If you are currently experiencing a crisis please contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1.800.273.8255, and press 1. Alternatively, use the Crisis Text Line by texting “RISING” to 741741.