VFW Action Corps Weekly
VFW Strongly Opposes Cuts to Veteran Disability Benefits: Congress is considering the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, legislation that would fund new veterans' benefits by cutting disability ratings for tinnitus and sleep apnea, which by VA's own numbers would affect up to 1.5 million veterans and remove $57 billion from veterans' disability compensation over ten years. The VFW strongly opposes the bill as currently drafted. "Veterans' benefits are an earned obligation of the nation, a promise made through the military service contract, and should not be financed through offsets, fee increases or reductions that place additional burdens on veterans, military families and survivors," said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore in her statement condemning the bill’s funding mechanism. "A grateful nation pays its debts to veterans; it does not send them the invoice." The VFW urges all advocates to contact their members of Congress and demand they Honor the Contract. Take action now.
House Lawmaker Featured Guest on Podcast: House Committee on Armed Services member Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., a VFW Life member of Sharpsburg, Pa., VFW Post 709, joined co-hosts Rob and Brittany, as well as VFW National Legislative Service Director Kristina Keenan and Associate Director Joy Craig, for a brief conversation spanning life in Congress as a veteran, VA health care and diverse challenges facing service members like family well-being, repairing equipment in the field, and military transition. VFW staff also provided in-depth Capitol Hill updates on the fiscal year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, the Major Richard Star Act, justice for Camp Lejeune water contamination victims, and the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act. Listen to episode 66, "The Mission Came First,” on your favorite podcast platform or watch it on YouTube.
House Press Conference on Major Richard Star Act: The VFW joined fellow veteran and military organizations, lawmakers and advocates at a press conference on Capitol Hill supporting the Major Richard Star Act. This legislation would end the offset that prevents many combat-injured veterans who were medically retired from receiving both their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation. During the event, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano, D-Calif., and supporters called for additional signatures on a discharge petition that could bring the bill to the House floor for a vote. The VFW remains committed to ending this long-standing inequity and ensuring combat-injured veterans receive the full benefits they earned through their service and sacrifice. Watch the press conference.
Service Does Not Stop: VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Gabby Kubinyi participated in a Flag Day panel discussion in Washington, D.C., hosted by We the Veterans and Military Families. Along with leaders from veteran and military family organizations, Kubinyi, who is a military widow, discussed how VFW members, military families and surviving spouses continue serving their communities after military service and loss. The panel highlighted the role service organizations play in fostering civic engagement, volunteerism and community connections across America.
Chapter 35 Benefit Ending for Secondary Education: Beginning Aug. 1, 2026, the VA Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA or Chapter 35) program will no longer cover high school coursework, GED preparation, tutoring or academic remediation. This change as required by Public Law 117–328 limits DEA to post-secondary education. Students enrolled before Aug. 1 may finish their current term, but no additional secondary-level terms will be covered. VA announced it is notifying affected beneficiaries and will provide guidance to schools. Read more about DEA benefits or submit questions to Ask VA.
MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced no identifications or burial updates this week.