VFW Action Corps Weekly
VFW Testifies with Partner VSOs on VA Budget Request: The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held an oversight hearing on VA’s budget request for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. VFW National Legislative Deputy Director Kristina Keenan presented testimony on The Independent Budget Recommendations for the Department of Veterans Affairs for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026. This report serves as a comprehensive roadmap to ensure VA is fully funded and capable of carrying out its mission to serve veterans and their families, both now and in the future. She noted, "VA infrastructure funding has remained stagnant for far too long. In the past ten years, it has only increased five percent. Meanwhile, the construction backlog has grown exponentially ––116 percent since 2014. Funding must increase to keep up." Watch the hearing, which begins at the 12:47 mark.
House Passes Four Veterans Bills: The House passed four VFW-supported veterans bills –– H.R. 5914, Veterans Education Transparency and Training Act; H.R. 3738, Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration Act; H.R. 1767, Student Veteran Benefit Restoration Act; and H.R. 4016, Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act. This legislation would provide veterans protection against education or fiduciary fraud, reduce red tape related to education benefits, and create a fourth administration within VA solely for economic opportunity benefits and transition assistance. These bills are now headed to the Senate.
Expansion of Care through CHAMPVA Program: VA has announced it will be expanding health care coverage for family members and primary caregivers who participate in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of VA (CHAMPVA). At the end of this month, these beneficiaries will have new coverage for audio-only telehealth, mental health care, and contraceptive services. Learn more about or apply for CHAMPVA benefits.
MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced three burial updates for service members who have been missing and unaccounted for from World War II and the Korean War. Returning home for burial with full military honors are:
MIA Update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced one burial update for a service member who has been missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. Returning home for burial with full military honors is:
-- Air Force Maj. John C.G. Kerr, 35, of Florida, served in the 606th Air Commando Squadron. He went missing in action on Aug. 22, 1967, and was declared killed in action on June 4, 1971. Interment services are pending. Read about Kerr.