FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 18, 2025

CONTACT: press@iava.org

IAVA Demands Transparency and Congressional Oversight Amidst VA Bylaw Changes

Washington, D.C. – Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) today expressed serious concerns about the reported recent changes to the bylaws concerning non-discrimination at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. While the VA has denied reports that these changes would permit the denial of care to certain veterans, a comparison of previous and current bylaws shows a distinct change, including the removal of particular protections. Furthermore, the lack of transparency or clear communication about why the changes were made has created significant distress among the veteran community and members of the VA workforce.

“The VA’s decision to alter long-standing non-discrimination bylaws without transparent guidance or clear explanation is deeply troubling,” said IAVA CEO Dr. Kyleanne Hunter. “Historically, the VA has maintained an expansive stance on anti-discrimination, extending protections beyond federally mandated classes to ensure that all veterans, regardless of political ideology, receive the care and benefits they have earned. Any changes to the VA’s foundational principles or practices related to equal treatment must be subject to the highest levels of transparency and rigorous congressional oversight. Our veterans, who have sacrificed so much, deserve absolute clarity and unwavering assurance that their earned care will never be jeopardized by administrative political maneuvering.” 

According to reports, the updated language removes specific references to “age, national origin, politics, marital status or disability” from its anti-discrimination policy, replacing them with a broader “legally protected status” clause. While a VA spokesperson stated these updates comply with White House executive orders and will have “no impact whatsoever on who VA treats or who works at VA”, the previous decision to cease providing hormone therapy and other gender-affirming care to new transgender patients under White House orders indicates a potential precedent for policy shifts impacting care to veterans who have earned benefits. 

IAVA emphasizes the critical need for Congress to vigorously exercise its oversight responsibilities. We call on the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees to:

• Demand Full Transparency: The VA must immediately provide a comprehensive rationale for these bylaw changes, including all internal communications and legal interpretations that led to the revisions.
• Ensure Non-Discrimination: Congress must ensure that no veteran, regardless of their background, marital status, or political affiliation, is ever denied care or employment opportunities at the VA based on characteristics not directly related to their medical needs or job qualifications.
• Uphold Medical Staff Governance: The American Medical Association’s concerns regarding the bypassing of medical staff voting authority in revising bylaws must be addressed to protect the autonomy and ethical obligations of VA healthcare providers. 

“Our veterans depend on the VA to uphold its promise of comprehensive, equitable care,” added Dr. Hunter. “We expect our elected officials to hold the VA accountable and ensure that no policy, however subtly worded, creates an opening for discrimination against those who have honorably served our nation. Anything less is a disservice to their sacrifice and a betrayal of the trust they placed in us.”

IAVA remains committed to working with Congress, the VA, and fellow veteran advocacy groups to safeguard the rights and ensure the well-being of all veterans.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is the leading voice of the Post-9/11 generation of American veterans. We represent over 425,000 members, and our best-in-class, non-partisan advocacy on behalf of the post-9/11 generation of veterans has chalked up big wins for our community – and America – for 20 years and counting.

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