This week, IAVA’s Director of Government Affairs, Travis Horr had the chance to join with other veteran advocates for a veteran service organization Roundtable hosted by Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). These roundtables are crucial to informing the Speaker about top priorities for veterans and legislation and it has been over a year since the last roundtable due to COVID-19. IAVA thanks the Speaker for her continued engagement on veterans issues and we look forward to continuing to work with her in the future. 

This week, VA’s Secretary McDonough announced that COVID-19 vaccines would be mandatory for Title 38 VA health care personnel who work in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities, visit VHA facilities or provide direct care to those VA serves. IAVA strongly supports the Secretary’s mandate as we feel the purpose of VA is to provide the best possible care for our nation’s veterans and part of doing so means making sure that those who treat or come in contact with the veterans are not possibly putting them at greater risk. Read our full statement HERE which includes two of our recent Facebook Lives that aim to maximize transparency about the COVID-19 vaccine. 

The first wave of Special Immigrant Visa Afghans and their families under Operation Allies Refuge arrived in the U.S. This is a testament to the Biden administration’s recognition that, in light of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, an urgent response is needed to ensure that America keeps its promise to the thousands of Afghan allies who provided vital support to the US mission in their country. Read IAVA’s full statement HERE. 

The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee passed 13 pieces of legislation out of committee this week, including the IAVA-supported VA Supply Chain Resiliency Act (S.887). This legislation includes VA in the Warstopper program, a proven best practice that has helped the Department of Defense (DoD) respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Warstopper program, DoD contracts with manufacturers and suppliers to keep a medical inventory ready in case of an emergency. This program helped provide N95 masks, gloves, isolation gowns, and other supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Cosponsors for IAVA-Supported Legislation. 

We had seven new cosponsors for the Vanessa Guillen Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act (H.R. 4104). Thank you to Reps Lauren Underwood (D-IL), Lizzie Fletcher(D-TX), Steve Cohen (D-TN), James Himes (D-CT), John Yarmuth (D-KY) John Katko (R-NY), and  Terri Sewell (D-AL) for supporting legislation that would ensure that everyone in our military ranks fair and impartial justice.

The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act (H.R. 1115/ S.535 ) gained three new cosponsors this week. Thank you to Reps. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), 

Mark Green (R-TN), and Mike Johnson (R-LA) for your support. 

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 7417