IAVA celebrated some huge wins last week with several bills advancing, including two headed to the White House to be signed into law!

Last Wednesday, IAVA celebrated final Congressional passage of landmark legislation to combat veteran suicide, the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act (S. 785). This important legislation will increase veterans’ access to care with alternative and local treatment options, and boosts the VA’s mental health workforce. IAVA has made the Commander Hannon Act a top priority for our #CombatSuicide campaign and we applaud Congress for their bipartisan commitment to attack this continuing nationwide crisis. 

Separately, IAVA also celebrated final passage of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act (S. 2661). This life-saving legislation will designate 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline and simplify the process for those in crisis to receive assistance.  Both bills now head to President Trump for his signature. Read our press release HERE. 

Also, the Veterans Economic Recovery Act also unanimously passed the House. Due to COVID-19, many veterans have lost their jobs and this bill will establish a new one-year rapid retraining program to provide in-demand job skills along with a generous housing stipend equal to that provided by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Read our press release HERE.

Finally, the House also unanimously passed the Honoring All Veterans Act (H.R. 3010), a huge win for IAVA’s #SheWhoBorneTheBattleCampaign! This legislation by Reps Kathleen Rice (D-NY) and Brian Mast (R-FL) directs VA to update its motto to be inclusive of all veterans and make the Department more welcoming to the increasing numbers of women who serve in uniform. IAVA has been pushing Congress and the VA for the motto change since 2017. l Read our press release HERE. 

The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee unanimously passed the Toxic Exposures in the American Military (TEAM) Act (S. 4393). IAVA applauds this show of bipartisan support as this legislation will help many veterans who have suffered toxic exposures and provide access to quality health care at the VA. It will also allow veterans access to government information about what they were likely exposed to and where. Finally, it would increase research into links between toxic exposures and certain illnesses. IAVA is proud to have worked with the TEAM Coalition over the past two years to develop this critical legislation. Read our press release HERE.

New Cosponsors for IAVA-backed legislation

IAVA gained two more Senate cosponsors for the Deborah Sampson Act (S. 514). Thank you to Sens. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) for supporting this landmark legislation to close many gaps in care for women veterans at VA.

IAVA Vote Hub

IAVA has launched a new tool, The Vote Hub, to help veterans and civilians across the country register to vote. Beyond assisting voter registration based on location, The Vote Hub ensures all Americans can easily access up-to-date information about polling requirements through its webpage. The site is free to use, IAVA will not collect data from users, and access does not require signing up nor joining a mailing list. Click HERE to find out more, register to vote, and/or sign up to be a poll worker.

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