FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 9, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – It is a gross understatement to say that IAVA is disturbed by Congressman Bost’s insistence that the Department of Veterans Affairs launches an investigation on the VFW, one of the oldest and largest congressionally chartered veterans service organizations, over a political cartoon. Political cartoons have a long history of being used in advocacy efforts, and are a type of speech that is protected by the First Amendment, reaffirmed as such by the Supreme Court in the 1988 Hustler vs Falwell case. Congressman Bost stated that congressionally chartered organizations have a responsibility to “promote patriotism, civic responsibility, and respectful public discourse while advocating on behalf of veterans”. IAVA agrees and can think of no better way to do so than by taking a stand against legislation that both hurts veterans and sets dangerous precedents, such as the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA).

IAVA respects the free speech of all institutions, organizations, and individuals, especially when our opinions differ widely. Veterans service organizations exist to advocate forcefully for those who served. Attempts by elected officials to use the weight of their office against those organizations because they disagree with their advocacy or raise serious concerns about proposed legislation should concern every veteran (and American), regardless of where they stand on this particular issue.

“As a fellow Marine who is committed to upholding the Constitution, I am incredibly disappointed in Chairman Bost’s call for an investigation into the VFW,” said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, CEO of IAVA. “For decades, the VFW has carried the water for combat veterans on the Hill, and is not afraid to speak truth to power. Speaking this truth and highlighting fallacious tradeoffs contained in TCAVA should be an invitation for discussion from the Chairman, not a call for an investigation. IAVA stands firmly with VFW both in opposition to TCAVA and in support of forceful, open, and honest advocacy for our members.”

IAVA stands with the VFW in defending the independence of veterans service organizations to advocate fearlessly on behalf of those they represent. We may not always agree with one another, but no organization should have to wonder whether speaking out for veterans will invite political retaliation. Veterans deserve principled advocates to be their voice on Capitol Hill, not organizations who are forced by political leaders to constantly look over their shoulder. Thank you, VFW, for your steadfast support for not only today’s veterans, but those of America’s future.

About IAVA: IAVA stands at the center of people, policy, and institutions to ensure that the lived experience of post-9/11 veterans is heard, measured, and acted on. We pair the experiences of post-9/11 veterans with evidence, use that to shape policy, and work with institutions that serve veterans to ensure that policies become real in veterans’ lives. By convening veterans, researchers, and decision-makers, IAVA drives the changes needed to ensure America serves the newest generation of veterans. 

Contact Information:

Jerritt Lynn
Director, Membership and Communications
Email: press@iava.org
Website: IAVA.org

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