** We Need Help for Priority Legislation Now. See Take Action Links Below!**

The IAVA DC team continues to press Congressional offices on our legislative priorities before the end of 2020 and the 116th Congress. 

Recently, the House and Senate have passed the Commander John Scott Hannon Mental Healthcare Improvement Act (S.785), the cornerstone of IAVA’s #CombatSuicide campaign. On Saturday, October 17th, President Trump officially signed the Hannon Act into law, a huge win for our nation’s veterans. Read our full press release on the passage HERE. 

We have also been seeking passage of the Deborah Sampson Act (S. 514 / H.R. 3224), groundbreaking legislation to close gaps in VA care for women veterans that is in final negotiations between the House and Senate. With the end of 2020 quickly approaching, time is almost out to TAKE ACTION now and tell Congress to pass the Deborah Sampson Act! Women veterans have waited long enough for equal care at VA!

Last Friday, IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler joined Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), IAVA Board Member Dr. David Shulkin, and the NYC Veterans Alliance to voice support for the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits & Other Toxins Act (H.R.8261/S.4572) to provide veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic exposures with VA disability benefits. TAKE ACTION now by telling Congress to pass the War Fighters Act!

This week, IAVA’s Ryan Britch, released a blog on #BurnPits and the difficulty many veterans have accessing care and receiving disability compensation for illnesses related to their exposure. This extreme oversight has some veterans fighting for their lives and paying out of pocket to do so. This is why IAVA is a strong supporter of Senator Thom Tillis’ (R- NC) Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act (S.4393), which would provide medical benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits. Read the full blog HERE and TAKE ACTION here to tell Congress that exposed veterans cannot wait any longer for their medical benefits. 

This week, Military Times in collaboration with IAVA and other VSOs released responses by  President Trump and former Vice President Biden to various veteran-related questions. IAVA asked the candidates their position on the Military Justice Improvement Act (S.1789) to take sexual assault cases out of the hands of the servicemember’s chain-of-command and give it to an independent professional military prosecutor, as well as their thoughts on the Deborah Sampson Act. Read the full list of questions and responses HERE.

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