Legislative Inititives
The DAV is achieving more with our initiatives than ever before, and we are very proud of the progress we continue to make. Below are some of the most recent bills we are working on to help veterans. To stay informed and take action to support federal legislation and policies affecting veterans, their families and survivors, please join DAV CAN (Commander’s Action Network) by clicking on the link below. As a DAV CAN member, you will get regular updates on important laws and regulations moving through Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Join other DAV members and supporters in advocating for better health care and benefits for veterans, particularly those injured and made ill during their service.
Click here to join the Commanders Action Network and have a voice to support legislation
S. 2172, Building Solutions for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness Act of 2021
Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester (MT) introduced comprehensive legislation—S. 2172, the Building Solutions for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness Act of 2021, to strengthen and expand services to veterans who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless.
Many veterans experience homelessness due to conditions stemming from military service, including post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. Homeless veterans also have a higher prevalence of mental health issues and are at greater risk for suicide.
DAV is pleased to support S. 2172, the Building Solutions for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness Act, in accordance with DAV Resolution No.119, which supports legislation to maintain and improve VA’s programs and services to eliminate veteran homelessness.
H.R. 855, the Veterans Expedited TSA Screening (VETS) Safe Travel Act
On February 5, 2021, Representative Paul Gosar (AZ) re-introduced H.R. 855, the Veterans Expedited TSA Screening (VETS) Safe Travel Act.
H.R. 855 would provide expedited security screening under the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) TSA Pre✓® program to severely injured or disabled veterans.
Veterans with prostheses or wheelchairs know how difficult it can be to get through airport security. Some have been asked to remove prostheses, transfer from wheelchairs or give up canes that help visually impaired veterans safely navigate their surroundings.
H.R. 3452, Veterans Preventative Health Coverage Fairness Act
While service-connected disabled veterans rated higher than 50% do not incur costs for medications, those with lower ratings using VA for their health care are currently forced to pay out-of-pocket for many of the prescription drugs, preventative health medications and health screenings they require.
H.R. 3452—the Veterans Preventative Health Coverage Fairness Act—would add preventative medications and services to the list of no-fee treatments that VA covers and eliminate copayments for such items and services.
This includes immunizations, cancer screenings, vitamin supplements and tobacco cessation products, well-woman visits and other potentially life-saving assessments recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. In contrast, these same medications and services are provided to servicemembers, military retirees and many civilians receive for free through military and private health insurance providers.
we strongly support H.R. 3452, in accordance with DAV Resolution No. 365, which calls for the elimination or reduction of co-payments for service-disabled veterans within the VA.