Join IAVA Veterans, Sens. Tester and Boozman, and Congresswoman Brownley to Discuss Historic Passage of Long-Sought Legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 16, 2020
CONTACT: press@iava.org

Washington, DC – Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) will be joined by Senate VAs Committee Ranking Member Jon Tester (D-MT),  Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), and House VA Health Subcommittee Chair Julia Brownley (D-CA-26) for a live video press conference on December 17th to celebrate the passage of the Deborah Sampson Act. IAVA Government Affairs Associate and U.S. Navy veteran Kaitlynne Hetrick, and IAVA member and U.S. Army veteran Corey Foster, who have both been vocal on the need to pass the legislation, will provide valuable insights on the importance of this historic passage of the Deborah Sampson Act.  The event will be moderated by IAVA Executive Vice President for Government Affairs Tom Porter and will be open to the press with time allotted for questions. 

“Sexual assault and harassment are pervasive problems throughout the military and that culture has unfortunately carried over into VA,” stated Kaitlynne Hetrick, IAVA Associate of Government Affairs. “The Deborah Sampson Act is a step in the right direction to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment and to begin to close gaps in VA care for women veterans.”

“Women are the fastest growing population of veterans in the country, and we must continue to push VA to provide better access to care and services for them and their families,” said Ranking Member Tester. “Passage of the Deborah Sampson Act sends a clear message to women veterans—and the American public—that Congress is willing to come together to do what’s necessary and follow through on this sacred duty.”

“VA facilities need to be updated to accommodate the growing number of women veterans so we can meet their needs. Ensuring the VA has the capability to provide more equitable care and services is key to fulfilling our promise. Passage of the Deborah Sampson Act will enable us to better support women who answer the call to serve their nation in uniform,” U.S. Senator John Boozman said.

The Deborah Sampson Act will reduce barriers to care for women veterans and expand services for reintegration, newborn and maternal care, and homelessness. The landmark act includes provisions to address sexual harassment and assault in VA facilities. 

“For far too long, women veterans have faced unnecessary barriers in accessing the care and benefits they have earned and deserve. The Deborah Sampson Act is an historic step forward in providing true equity among our nation’s veteran population,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. “As Chair of the Women Veterans Task Force, I’m extremely proud that the hard work of my colleagues, especially Senator Tester and Senator Boozman, and tireless advocates like IAVA has culminated in the unanimous passage of this critical legislation. By passing this landmark legislation, we are telling our women veterans: you are not invisible. I stand committed to continuing the much-needed work to ensure inclusivity and equitable access to resources, benefits, and services for the women who have served our nation in uniform.”

WHO:           

Tom Porter, IAVA Executive VP for Government Affairs

Kaitlynne Hetrick, IAVA Associate of Government Affairs 

Corey Foster, IAVA Member,

Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), Ranking Member, Senate Committee on

Veterans Affairs

Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Senior Member, Senate Committee on Veteran’s Affairs

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Chairwoman of the House Veterans Affairs Health Subcommittee & Woman Veterans Task Force

WHAT: Facebook Live Event – Passage of the Deborah Sampson Act

WHEN: Thursday, December 17th, 2020 at 10:30AM EST

WHERE:      Facebook Live link here

IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 400,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.

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