VFW Action Corps Weekly
House Passes Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act: The House has passed VFW-supported H.R. 1041, Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act, which would prevent VA from transmitting a veteran’s name to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System solely because the veteran has a fiduciary appointed to manage VA benefits. The VFW has provided testimony in support of this legislation during hearings before the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs, emphasizing that veterans should not lose a constitutional right without a judicial determination that they are a danger to themselves or others.
Policy Breakthroughs and Normandy Jumps Highlighted in VFW Podcast: Key Washington Office leaders and Still Serving Spotlight special guest Toni Lavery of Fox Force Foundation joined co-hosts Rob Couture and Brittany Dymond Murray for an extended segment spanning policy developments and wins, as well as a growing movement among women service members, veterans and first responders to bring awareness, camaraderie and empowerment to women who have served their communities and nation. A major win against Claim Sharks, significant movement on the Major Richard Star Act, and VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore’s upcoming commemorative tandem skydive into Normandy, France, with Fox Force Foundation anchor the discussion. Listen to episode 65, "Fight the Good Fight,” on your favorite podcast platform or watch it on YouTube.
VA Launches New Mental Health Therapy Trial: VA has announced a new clinical trial to evaluate MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans with severe mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder. The trial, which is aligned with the VFW’s advocacy efforts, follows a recent executive order to accelerate the evaluation of new treatments for serious mental illnesses. It will compare MDMA-assisted therapy to identical psychotherapy with an active placebo. Approximately 80 veterans will be enrolled from the VA Providence Healthcare System and the VA Connecticut Healthcare System. This study will be conducted under strict safety protocols and in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read more.
House Committee Releases Defense Bill: The House Committee on Armed Services has released initial text for H.R. 8800, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, ahead of a committee markup on June 4. The proposal authorizes nearly $1.15 trillion in national defense spending, including $28.4 billion for military construction, family housing and base closure programs. Personnel and quality-of-life provisions include continued investment in military family housing, workforce development initiatives, and efforts to strengthen support systems tied to readiness and retention. The legislation also includes a provision that would designate a senior official for military-to-civilian transition, which is a legislative priority for the VFW. Congress will continue debating the legislation as the House and Senate develop their respective defense authorization packages for fiscal year 2027. 
VFW Participates in Day of Service and Grand Ole Opry Salute the Troops: VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore and VFW staff members joined Humana, CenterWell, USAA and Volunteers of America on May 19, 2026, for the fifth annual VFW Day of Service project in Madison, Tennessee. Volunteers assembled more than 2,500 hygiene and essential care kits in support of local outreach efforts to veterans experiencing homelessness. The project reflected the VFW’s ongoing commitment to helping veterans through direct community service. Following the volunteer event, participants attended the Grand Ole Opry’s annual Salute the Troops celebration in Nashville, Tennessee, which featured performances by music artists and the 100th Army Band honoring America’s veterans, service members and military families. During the event, Humana announced an additional $100,000 donation in support of the Uniting for Veterans initiative, reinforcing its continued partnership with the VFW and commitment to the military community.
VFW Backs Push for Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims: The VFW is standing alongside Camp Lejeune veterans and their families as they gather on Capitol Hill June 3-4, beginning at 9 a.m., to demand action on H.R. 4145, the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act of 2025. Although Congress passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act in 2022, fewer than 1% of the more than 408,000 claims filed by victims of toxic water exposure have resulted in compensation. Advocates say delays and legal challenges have left many veterans and family members waiting while serious health conditions worsen. H.R. 4145 seeks to streamline the claims process, clarify congressional intent, and improve access to justice. The VFW supports the legislation and remains committed to ensuring the government fulfills its promises to Camp Lejeune victims.