Veterans and Caregivers Await Action on Key Legislation

Every night, many combat-injured veterans find themselves calculating their finances. They discover their checks fall short of expectations. Current law deprives them of full retirement benefits if they don’t complete 20 years of service, despite being eligible for disability compensation.

In the same household, a caregiver shares similar financial burdens. This caregiver is one in 14.3 million across the nation, providing unpaid care worth over $400 billion annually. Many leave their jobs, sacrificing personal income and losing retirement savings to support a loved one. They require support, yet government solutions remain incomplete.

Decisions made by Congress affect these lives drastically. Recently, an anticipated vote on a bill aimed at resolving these issues did not occur.

“Congress can fund veterans’ care without compromising benefits for disabled veterans” – Sen. Blumenthal and Rep. Takano.

We oversee major national organizations addressing these family dynamics. One represents veterans, visible in every U.S. community. The other advocates for caregivers who keep these families intact. Along with 21 other organizations, we advocate for the “Take Care of America’s Veterans Act.” This opportunity allows Congress to support veterans, caregivers, and survivors.

Numerous bills benefiting veterans await action. For years, Congress recognized these obligations but failed to deliver. This bill consolidates over 60 priorities, addressing concurrent retirement pay, survivor benefits, caregiver support, and suicide prevention. Delays must end.

At the core are significant acts, including:

• Major Richard Star Act: Aims to uplift 59,000 combat-injured veterans by removing certain compensation offsets.
• Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Benefits Expansion Act: Expands benefits for the most severely injured and their survivors.
• Love Lives On Act: Ensures surviving spouses retain benefits upon remarriage.

These acts translate into real changes for affected veterans and caregivers. Recognition and tangible support allow veterans to recuperate among loved ones, not in isolation.

Concerns exist regarding bill funding. The Veterans Administration proposed rule changes related to sleep apnea and tinnitus to generate savings. Despite disagreements from veteran organizations like The American Legion, VA plans to finalize these rules by the fiscal year-end.

The VA intends to proceed, narrowing options: withdraw the rule, or pass the bill, retaining savings for veterans and their families. Without action, billions intended for veterans return to the Treasury, funding unrelated areas.

Elizabeth Dole’s vision for supporting caregiving families, including veteran families, is embedded in this bill. America’s 250-year history highlights tributes to those who served. Yet, the veteran recalculating finances and their caregiver hear empty promises.

A missed vote underscores urgency rather than diminishing it. Legislative votes now separate the veteran community from these benefits. Passing the legislation honors service sacrifices not just symbolically, but legally.

Our organizations are committed, poised to aid both the House and Senate in passing this vital legislation. With vocal tributes complete, the focus shifts to fulfilling promises through action.

Steve Schwab is the CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. Dan K. Wiley serves as the National Commander of The American Legion.