Last Tuesday, IAVA’s Travis Horr joined Senator Kristen Gillibrand, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D., IAVA Boardmember, and Former VA Secretary David Shulkin, Jon Stewart, John Feal, and numerous veteran advocates for the introduction of the War Fighters Act (S.4572). The War Fighters Act would establish specific presumptions of service connection for veterans who have been exposed to burn pits of other toxic exposures during their time in the military. The bill would also direct the VA Secretary to request that the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (“National Academies”) evaluate information given to determine if there is a link between human disease and the toxins that servicemembers were exposed to on their deployments. IAVA is proud to support this crucial piece of legislation and urges Congress for swift action. Veterans exposed to burn pits have waited long enough to have their conditions recognized by VA. Read more about the press conference HERE.

IAVA Board member and former VA Secretary, David Shulkin, M.D., at the recent War Fighters Act press conference

The House Veteran Affairs Committee also held a markup last week on legislation aimed at addressing the issue of veteran suicide. The Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care and Treatment (COMPACT) Act (H.R.8247) would mandate that VA cover acute care for emergency mental health crises, either at the VA or at a private facility no matter their discharge status, as well as several other provisions aimed at lowering the number of veterans we lose each year to suicide. This bill would complement the IAVA-championed Commander John Scott Hannon Mental Healthcare Improvement Act (S.785), which has passed the Senate and currently awaits House passage. HVAC Chairman, Mark Takano (D-CA) stated that they have reached an agreement with the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee and a vote on the Hannon act should be expected soon. Read more about the markup HERE.

IAVA’s Kaitlynne Hetrick was given the opportunity to attend a press conference celebrating the introduction of the I Am Vanessa Guillen bill (H.R. 2870), introduced by Reps. Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Markwayne Mullins (R-OK). The I Am Vanessa Guillen Act is named for the slain Army Soldier stationed at Fort Hood, Texas who experienced sexual harassment at her command but never felt comfortable reporting due to previous servicemembers receiving retaliation. The bill would take sexual assault and harassment cases out of the servicemember’s chain of command and give it to a specially-trained prosecutor. The bill would also establish sexual harassment as a crime under the UCMJ and reform reporting procedures for sexual harassment. Upon introduction, the bill had 99 original cosponsors from both sides of the aisle and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has already agreed to bring the bill to the House floor. Read more about the bill and the press conference HERE.

Congressman Markwayne Mullins (R-OK) and House Armed Services Committee Military Personnel Subcommittee Chairwoman Jackie Speier (D-CA) at the I Am Vanessa Guillen Act introduction press conference.

New Cosponsors for IAVA-backed legislation

IAVA gained another cosponsor in the Senate for the Deborah Sampson Act (S.514). Thank you to Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) for supporting this landmark piece of legislation that would close many gaps in care for women veterans at VA.

IAVA Vote Hub

IAVA has launched a new tool, The Vote Hub, on our website 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 Vote Hub is free to use, IAVA will not collect any data from users and site 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