IAVA | December 11, 2020
IAVA Weekly SITREP
As the leading voice for the post-9/11 community, IAVA continues to create awareness on issues and topics impacting our community. Below are articles and news sources from the past week:
Friday December 11
IAVA NEWS COVERAGE
Washington Post: Some veterans groups disappointed Biden’s pick for VA chief never served in uniform
By Alex Horton
Veterans groups anticipating President-elect Joe Biden’s pick for Veterans Affairs secretary envisioned at least one trait: the Day 1 credibility of having served in uniform. “He’ll have to go a long way to prove himself to a very skeptical population who would prefer someone with more direct veteran and VA experience,” said Jeremy Butler, chief executive of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, an advocacy group. “He’s starting in a position of public deficit because of who he is not,” he said.
*Also reported in The Hill Morning Report
FOX News: Biden’s pick of Denis McDonough for VA sparks pushback from veterans
By Caitlin McFall
Founder of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Paul Rieckhoff, voiced his frustration over the pick as well. “A stunningly strange and surprising pick,” Rieckhoff said on Twitter. “He’s not a vet. And not a post-9/11 vet. And he’s another white guy leading an agency that badly needs a truly transformative leader that can understand and represent an increasingly diverse community.”
The Hill: Biden to nominate Denis McDonough for VA secretary
By Celine Castronuovo
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) said in a statement it was “concerned that the nominee does not meet the criteria long championed by the organization” but said it was “cautiously optimistic” about his nomination. The group’s CEO Jeremy Butler called the pick “unexpected but also encouraging.”
VETERAN NEWS COVERAGE
New York Times: Inspector General Criticizes V.A.’s Handling of Sexual Assault Complaint
By Aishvarya Kavi
An inspector general inquiry has criticized Robert L. Wilkie, the secretary of veterans affairs, for a response that was “at a minimum unprofessional” after a female Navy veteran reported a sexual assault at a department hospital in Washington.
*Also reported in MarketWatch
Army Times: Investigators blast VA secretary’s ‘unprofessional’ behavior but find no evidence of crimes
By Leo Shane III
After a nearly year-long investigation, Veterans Affairs investigators failed to confirm explosive charges that Secretary Robert Wilkie led a criminal campaign to discredit a veteran who reported a sexual assault at a department medical center. But investigators still blasted senior VA leadership for working to attack critics rather than pursue reforms.
MSNBC: Yet another Trump cabinet secretary caught up in scandal
By Steve Benen
A congressional staffer alleged that she was groped and propositioned by a man while in the cafe in the main lobby of VA’s flagship medical center. Instead of taking the matter seriously, VA leaders reportedly scrambled to target the accuser.
Washington Times: Rand Paul stalls key defense bill over troop withdrawal from Afghanistan
By Lauren Toms
The Senate is facing the possibility of a government shutdown as Sen. Rand Paul moved Thursday to filibuster the $740 billion annual defense policy bill while lawmakers race to approve federal spending legislation before the existing budget runs out Friday.
The Hill: Veterans healthcare fight snagging government funding deal
By Jordain Carney
A fight over how to pay for veterans’ health care is the final big hurdle to getting a deal on a massive government funding omnibus, senators said Thursday. Lawmakers say they are still trying to resolve a stalemate on whether to count money for a Veterans Affairs health care program as “emergency” funds, meaning the spending wouldn’t be counted under limits set as part of a two-year budget deal.
Maine Public Radio: Senate Passes Bill Allowing Care For Veterans With Early-Stage Dementia
By Jennifer Mitchell
The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed legislation co-authored by U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King of Maine, as well as Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska.The lawmakers say the bill corrects an oversight that has resulted in a denial of care for some veterans with early-stage dementia.
NBC Montana: New veteran legislation to help women vets and those impacted by Agent Orange
By Joe Taylor
Senator Jon Tester has been working on a landmark bill that would provide the VA benefits to veterans suffering from conditions related to Agent Orange exposure. This bill is called Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans and is a part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act.
Chicago Sun Times: National Guard to be sent to veterans homes hit by coronavirus outbreaks
By Rachel Hinton
Veterans homes dealing with coronavirus outbreaks will receive help from members of the Illinois National Guard, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Thursday as his administration looks to curb a rise in cases at the long-term care facilities.
*Also reported in MyWebTimes
ABC Grand Rapids: Grand Rapids Home for Veterans sees COVID cases nearly triple for residents
By John Hogan
The number of residents testing positive for COVID-19 at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans has nearly tripled in the last four weeks, with 66 positive tests reported as of Wednesday, Dec. 9.
Federal News Network: A year in, VA’s Solid Start program is well, off to a solid start
By Tom Temin
The Veterans Benefits Administration celebrated a year of its Solid Start program. A White House executive order from 2018, aimed at suicide prevention, requires VA to check in with new veterans personally by telephone. To see if they’re okay and to make sure they’re aware of VA benefits. With more on the program, Federal Drive with Tom Temin spoke with VA’s principal deputy undersecretary for benefits, Margarita Devlin
Federal News Network: Suicide prevention — Taking veteran care from good to great [Opinion]
By Dr. David LaBorde
To ensure the delivery of highly reliable care, particularly for veterans – such as those at high risk for suicide – we must continue to empower VA employees by equipping them with advanced tools capable of providing the right information at the precise moment it is needed.
Thursday December 10
IAVA NEWS COVERAGE
CNN: Top Department of Veterans Affairs official raises concerns about coronavirus vaccine distribution
By Zachary Cohen
Tom Porter, executive vice president of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, confirmed to CNN last week that the VA had told veterans groups that vaccine distribution would start “in the next couple weeks.” Porter said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie had been on the call along with Stone, VA Undersecretary for Benefits Paul Lawrence and others. Porter said they had been told that front-line health care workers would be prioritized first and added there were no details about whether certain veterans would be as well, such as older people, minorities or people with preexisting conditions.
*Also reported in NBC Raleigh, CBS Milwaukee
The Hill: The Hill’s Top Lobbyists 2020
By Staff
In a busy and challenging year for the influence world, these are the people who wielded their clout and knowledge most effectively for their clients. Jeremy Butler, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is included in the list.
VETERAN NEWS COVERAGE
ABC Orlando: Senate committee hears Veterans Affairs COVID-19 vaccination plan
By Samantha Manning and Charles Frazier
The Department of Veterans Affairs is preparing to administer thousands of COVID-19 vaccines to the vets they serve. The VA says there are questions about its ability to transport the vaccine, which has to be stored in extremely cold temperatures. However, the agency says there are at least three dozen VA facilities so far equipped to take in the vaccine once it’s approved.
Ripon Advance: Curtis’s Peer Support for Veteran Families Act becomes law as part of larger bill
By Staff
Bipartisan legislation offered by U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) directing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to set up a pilot program in 10 medical facilities to offer mental health education and peer support programs to U.S. military veterans’ caregivers and families became law over the weekend as part of a larger bill.
WBUR: Kennedy, Neal File Holyoke Veterans Act To Require Skilled Oversight Of Soldiers’ Home
By Colin A. Young
New legislation proposed this week by U.S. Reps. Joseph Kennedy III and Richard Neal would change federal requirements so that the administrator or deputy superintendent of any soldiers’ home must have a similar medical licensure as is required for skilled nursing facility administrators.
NBC Iowa City: Ernst-Supported Veterans’ Mental Health Bill Signed Into Law
By Staff
The bipartisan Sergeant Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act supported by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a combat veteran, was recently signed into law as part of the Veterans COMPACT Act.
GovExec: House Overwhelmingly Passes Defense Bill With Leave Benefits, Setting Up Confrontation with Trump
By Erich Wagner
The House on Tuesday voted 335-78 to pass the annual defense policy bill, which includes a number of provisions for improving leave benefits for civilian federal employees, although lawmakers are preparing to come back after Christmas to vote on it again, if necessary, since President Trump has threatened to veto the legislation when it reaches his desk.
Washington Post: VA watchdog told prosecutors his probe of Secretary Wilkie’s effort to discredit House staffer turned up possible criminal conduct
By Lisa Rein and Spencer S. Hsu
The Veterans Affairs inspector general informed federal prosecutors this fall of possible criminal conduct by Secretary Robert Wilkie stemming from an investigation into whether he worked to discredit a congressional aide who said she was sexually assaulted, according to three current and former federal officials.
*Also reported in CNN
Stars and Stripes: VA leader predicts difficulty administering coronavirus vaccines
By Nikki Wentling
The leader of the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system predicted difficulty Wednesday with administering coronavirus vaccines to its patients, particularly veterans in rural areas.
Federal News Network: VA warns of ‘long process’ to distribute COVID-19 vaccine to employees and veterans
By Nicole Ogrysko
The Department of Veterans Affairs is preparing to distribute a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it’s approved, but the agency acknowledged Wednesday it may initially struggle to reach healthcare workers and veterans in remote and rural locations.
The Hill: Trump leaves mixed legacy on veterans affairs [Opinion]
By Rory E. Riley-Topping
Despite some progress, the past four years at the VA have been largely complicated by chaos and in-fighting, which has been detrimental to a number of veterans and also interfered with the implementation of a number of the administration’s policy objectives.
Task and Purpose: It’s time for a post-9/11 veteran to lead the VA [Opinion]
By Florent Groberg and Michele Jones
After more than 19 years at war, veterans would benefit from a VA Secretary who intimately understands the current cohort of groundbreaking warfighters while continuing to honor the immeasurable contributions of previous generations of veterans.
Wednesday, December 9
VETERAN NEWS COVERAGE
Stars and Stripes: New leading House Republican on veteran issues says toxic exposure needs to be a top priority
By Steve Beynon
House Republicans tapped Rep. Mike Bost of Illinois to be the ranking member of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. In the next few years, Bost said he sees burn pits and other toxic exposures as a top priority. A VA official said at a congressional hearing on the matter in September that the agency has denied about 78% of disability claims related to toxic exposure
By Benjamin Kail
U.S. Reps. Joe Kennedy III and Richard Neal proposed an overhaul of federal safety standards at soldiers’ homes nationwide on Tuesday, building on a Kennedy proposal earlier this year after the COVID-19 pandemic took the lives of 76 veterans at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.
Escalon Times: Agent Orange Legislation In Final Bipartisan Defense Bill
By Staff
This past week, the final, bipartisan text of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was released and includes Representative Josh Harder’s (CA-10) Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act.
The Ripon Advance: Daines’ Accelerating Veterans Recovery Outdoors Act signed into law
By Staff
President Donald Trump on Saturday signed into law a bipartisan bill that included legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) that will make it easier for U.S. military veterans to use the outdoors as part of their medical treatment and therapy.
The Washington Times: Post 9/11 military needs on Biden’s mind in VA secretary search
By Mike Glenn
Iraq War veterans Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Illinois Democrat, and former Rep. Patrick J. Murphy, Pennsylvania Democrat, are among those on the short lists for the VA job in Mr. Biden’s Cabinet.
By Andy Dahn
Governor Pritzker said a “worst case scenario” involving COVID-19 has become reality at a downstate veterans home, which has now fired its administrator.Reports of safety violations and employees continuing to work after testing positive for COVID-19 have led to the firing of the LaSalle Veterans Home administrator Angela Mehlbrech.
State Journal-Register: House civil judiciary committee opens inquiry into LaSalle Veterans’ Home deaths
By Sarah Mansur
A coronavirus outbreak at the veterans home in LaSalle that has killed a quarter of the residents over the span of a few weeks has prompted the chairman of a state House committee to open an investigation into the deaths.
NJ.com: For first time in 6 months, resident of N.J. veterans home dies of COVID-19
By Karin Price Mueller
For the first time in six months, a resident of a veterans home in New Jersey has died from COVID-19, officials said Monday.
Associated Press: At least 60 people respond to call for help at veterans home
By Staff
At least 60 people have responded to a call for staffing help at the State Veterans Home in Tilton, which has been dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak.
ABC Virginia: Veteran unemployment on the rise, lawmakers seek solutions
By Mike Gooding
The unemployment rate among all veterans rose to 6.3% last month, up from 5.5% in October. That figure translates into about 552,000 veterans looking for employment last month, out of roughly 8.7 million working-age veterans who are able to work.
FOX Texas: Department of Veterans Affairs hosting tele-town halls in December
By Blair Sabol
In the month of December, the national branch of the V.A. is hosting a special tele-town hall series, to make sure veterans across the country are getting the assistance they need even during the pandemic.
Stars and Stripes: Minority veterans to receive priority for coronavirus vaccines
By Nikki Wentling
Black, Hispanic and Native American veterans will be given priority for receiving coronavirus vaccines once they become available, according to a document published Tuesday by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Navy Times: Vets living abroad left to navigate pandemic problems without VA help
By Leo Shane III
In the case of coronavirus, that means veterans living outside the United States can’t get any medical coverage for testing or treatment, even if most veterans in the United States can get that assistance.
NBC Philadelphia: VR Is Helping Veterans Overcome PTSD by Putting Them Back at the Scenes of Their Trauma
By Staff
It may seem counterintuitive that using virtual reality to put veterans into scenes that replicate their trauma can help them overcome PTSD. But that’s exactly what’s happening with VR technology at the University of Southern California’s Institute for Creative Technologies.
Tuesday, December 8
VETERAN NEWS COVERAGE
CBS Boston: Proposal For Free National Parks Access For Disabled Veterans Signed Into Law
By Staff
Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine proposed the Wounded Veterans Recreation Act to provide free access to veterans who suffered or aggravated disabilities while serving in the military. President Donald Trump has signed the proposal into law.
*Also reported in Stars and Stripes
KTAR Arizona: Kyrsten Sinema’s veterans mental health support bill signed into law
By Staff
The bipartisan bill, the Sgt. Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to pilot a program that creates networks of support for service members transitioning to civilian life.
Marijuana Moment: House-Passed Marijuana Legalization Bill Would Add $13.7B To Federal Budget, Congressional Analysts Say
By Ben Adlin
Measures related to marijuana cultivation for research purposes, clinical trials of medical marijuana by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and letting VA doctors recommend marijuana to patients, meanwhile, were all estimated by CBO in recent years to have little to no effect on the nation’s budget.
Voice of America: Biden Nominee for US Defense Secretary is Veteran Commander of Iraq, Afghanistan Wars
By Staff
Retired U.S. Army General Lloyd Austin is poised to return to the Pentagon as President-elect Joe Biden’s pick as defense secretary, becoming the first African American to hold the post if he is confirmed by the Senate.
CBS Chicago: LaSalle Veterans’ Home Administrator Fired After 25% Of Residents Died Of COVID
By Staff
The head of a central Illinois veterans’ home, where 25% of the residents have died of COVID-19 this year, has been fired amid multiple investigations into the deadly outbreak.
*Also reported in Chicago Sun-Times, ABC Illinois
Springfield News-Leader: Report details multiple failures in COVID-19 responses at Missouri veterans home
By Austin Huguelet
In a 53-page review released last week, lawyers at St. Louis-based Armstrong Teasdale wrote that Missouri Veterans Commission officials failed to recognize and properly respond to serious outbreaks and seek help from state partners that could have provided reinforcements. That culminated in an “inadequate” response as the virus infected hundreds of veterans and staff, the firm concluded. As of Nov. 13, 103 had died.
Tennessean: Resigned Tennessee veterans commissioner accused of ‘abusive’ conduct and racist, homophobic remarks
By Natalie Allison
The commissioner of Tennessee’s veterans affairs department subjected employees to abusive behavior and made racist and homophobic remarks during her tenure, state human resources found after investigating the complaints.
Times Herald-Record: Letter: Veterans benefits could be decided by private contractors [Opinion]
By Stan “Jack” Flodin
Just read an article of the Congress closing the VA’s Department of Compensation and Disability and training private contractors to fill that department agenda. That is to evaluate a veteran’s disability and what percentage of disability they are entitled to and pension.
Monday, December 7
IAVA NEWS COVERAGE
CNN: Pentagon and Veterans Affairs preparing to get and administer Covid vaccine
By Ryan Browne, Barbara Starr, Zachary Cohen and Michael Conte
The Department of Defense is set to receive the coronavirus vaccine directly from the companies that manufacture it once it is approved for use, and will administer it to DOD personnel, a US official tells CNN. Tom Porter, executive vice president of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, confirmed that the VA had told veterans groups in a call Thursday that vaccine distribution would start “in the next couple weeks. Porter said they were told front-line health care workers would be prioritized first and said there were no details about whether certain veterans would be as well, such as older people, minorities or people with preexisting conditions.
*Also reported in CBS Milwaukee, FOX Missouri
VETERAN NEWS COVERAGE
Sierra Sun Times: Landmark Veterans’ Health Act Signed Into Law on Sunday, Sierra Club Reports
By Staff
On Sunday, the Accelerating Veterans Recovery Outdoors (AVRO) Act was signed into law as part of the Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and sierra club logoTreatment (COMPACT) Act (H.R.8247), a package of bills addressing healthcare and suicide prevention for veterans.
Sierra Sun Times: California Central Valley Congressman Josh Harder’s Agent Orange Bill Included in Final Bipartisan Defense Bill
By Staff
Last week, the final, bipartisan text of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was released and includes Representative Josh Harder’s (CA-10) Fair Care Vietnam Veterans Act. Many Vietnam Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and developed particular conditions are currently unable to get certain benefits and care from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA). If passed into law, the NDAA will ensure that veterans who developed bladder cancer, Parkinsonism, or hypothyroidism as a result of their service will get access to VA benefits.
*Also reported in the Modesto Bee
Government Executive: Senators Raise Concerns Over Burrowing In, Other ‘Midnight’ Activities at VA
By Eric Katz
The Veterans Affairs Department has switched its top personnel official into a career position at a much maligned office, sparking concerns among lawmakers who are asking VA to halt that and other “questionable political actions” in the last weeks of the Trump administration.
The Observor: Sen. Schumer ramps up efforts to aid Vietnam vets
By Staff
Sen. Charles Schumer made a plea in Dunkirk’s Memorial Park to help Vietnam veterans who may have been touched by Agent Orange during their service to the United States. In making the announcement he called on two federal agencies to work to expand health-care benefits to the more than 240,000 New Yorkers who served in the Vietnam War.
Center Square: House committee chairwoman requests oversight hearing of LaSalle COVID-19 outbreak that’s killed 30
By Greg Bishop
After weeks of refusing to request in-person hearings of COVID-19 oversight, the chairperson of the Illinois House Veterans’ Affairs Committee has formally requested a subject matter meeting to focus on the COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans Home.
Washington Post: As Trump rants over election, his administration accelerates push to lock in policy and staffing gains
By David Nakamura, Juliet Eilperin and Lisa Rein
At the Department of Veterans Affairs, Secretary Robert Wilkie is making sweeping changes to outsource to private companies the reviews that determine compensation, health care and other benefits for veterans.
MyChesCo: VA Solid Start Program Makes Strides in First Year
By Staff
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced this week, as VA Solid Start celebrates its one year anniversary — the Veterans Benefits Administration connected with nearly 70,000 newly-separated service members.
ABC News: New Hampshire veterans nursing home issues SOS over COVID-19 outbreak
By Bill Hutchinson
A New Hampshire nursing home for war veterans is sending out an “all-hands-on-deck” plea for help amid a ballooning COVID-19 outbreak that has severely depleted its staff and killed nearly two dozen residents in less than a month.
CBS Texas: Veterans with PTSD face tougher time dealing with pandemic stress
By Matt Dougherty
Since her service, Harris has been through a lot, including years of therapy provided by the veterans’ assistance organization Easter Seals. Harris says the COVID-19 pandemic has been a stressor for all of us, but even more so for vets. “This is a very challenging time for everyone especially for veterans, who have seen some very ugly thing,” Harris said.
Military Times: Veterans unemployment up in November as national jobless rate falls
By Leo Shane III
The unemployment rate among all veterans rose to 6.3 percent last month, up from 5.5 percent in October. That figure translates into about 552,000 veterans looking for employment last month, out of roughly 8.7 million working-age veterans who are able to work.
Boston Globe: Bedford VA police never searched building where veteran lay in stairwell, investigators find
By Andrea Estes
A new 77-page report from Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan found egregious failures in the search for White by both the Bedford VA police and the nonprofit organization that managed the building.
NPR: He Designed A Smartwatch App To Help Stop His Dad’s Nightmares
By Martha Ann Overland
Tyler put together a team to program a smartwatch to detect the onset of night terrors based on the wearer’s heart rate and movement. Last month, the Food and Drug Administration approved the app, which works with an Apple Watch, to treat PTSD-related nightmare disorders. It will soon be available by prescription through the VA.
Las Vegas Review Journal: Woman sentenced to prison for defrauding VA of $1.7M in benefits
By Briana Erickson
A Nevada judge sentenced a Michigan woman Friday to three years in prison for a $1.7 million fraud scheme against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
