S.Hrg.119-15

1[Senate Hearing 119-15]2[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]34                                                         S. Hrg. 119-1556                LEGISLATIVE PRESENTATION OF THE AMERICAN7                 LEGION AND MULTI VSOs: JEWISH WAR VET-8                 ERANS OF THE USA, MINORITY VETERANS9                 OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF10                 COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICERS, MILI-11                 TARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA,12                 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE DIRECTORS13                 OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, D'ANIELLO INSTITUTE14                 FOR VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES, AND15                 WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT16=======================================================================1718                             JOINT HEARING1920                               BEFORE THE2122                     COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS2324                                 OF THE2526                             UNITED STATES27                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES2829                                AND THE3031                          UNITED STATES SENATE3233                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS3435                             FIRST SESSION3637                               __________3839                           FEBRUARY 26, 20254041                               __________4243       Printed for the use of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs4445 [GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE INTIFF FORMAT]4647        Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.govinfo.gov4849                               __________5051                   U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE5259-385 PDF                  WASHINGTON : 20255354-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------5556                 SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS5758                     Jerry Moran, Kansas, Chairman59John Boozman, Arkansas               Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut,60Bill Cassidy, Louisiana                  Ranking Member61Thom Tillis, North Carolina          Patty Murray, Washington62Dan Sullivan, Alaska                 Bernard Sanders, Vermont63Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee          Mazie K. Hirono, Hawaii64Kevin Cramer, North Dakota           Margaret Wood Hassan, New65Tommy Tuberville, Alabama                Hampshire66Jim Banks, Indiana                   Angus S. King, Jr., Maine67Tim Sheehy, Montana                  Tammy Duckworth, Illinois68                                     Ruben Gallego, Arizona69                                     Elissa Slotkin, Michigan7071                     David Shearman, Staff Director72                Tony McClain, Democratic Staff Director7374                              ----------7576        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS7778                     Mike Bost, Illinois, Chairman7980Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen,       Mark Takano, California, Ranking81    American Samoa                       Member82Jack Bergman, Michigan               Julia Brownley, California83Nancy Mace, South Carolina           Chris Pappas, New Hampshire84Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Iowa       Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick,85Gregory F. Murphy, North Carolina        Florida86Derrick Van Orden, Wisconsin         Morgan McGarvey, Kentucky87Morgan Luttrell, Texas               Delia C. Ramirez, Illinois88Juan Ciscomani, Arizona              Nikki Budzinski, Illinois89Keith Self, Texas                    Timothy M. Kennedy, New York90Jennifer A. Kiggans, Virginia        Maxine Dexter, Oregon91Abe Hamadeh, Arizona                 Herb Conaway, New Jersey92Kimberlyn King-Hinds, Northern       Kelly Morrison, Minnesota93    Mariana Islands94Tom Barrett, Michigan9596                       Jon Clark, Staff Director97                  Matt Reel, Democratic Staff Director9899                            C O N T E N T S100101                              ----------102103                           February 26, 2025104105                                                                   Page106107                            REPRESENTATIVES108109Hon. Mike Bost, Chairman, U.S. Representative from Illinois......     1110Hon. Mark Takano, Ranking Member, U.S. Representative from111  California.....................................................     4112Hon. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, U.S. Representative from113  American Samoa.................................................    17114Hon. Herb Conaway, U.S. Representative from New Jersey...........    19115Hon. Abe Hamadeh, U.S. Representative from Arizona...............    21116Hon. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, U.S. Representative from Florida    23117Hon. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, U.S. Representative from Iowa.....    26118Hon. Maxine Dexter, U.S. Representative from Oregon..............    27119Hon. Morgan McGarvey, U.S. Representative from Kentucky..........    30120Hon. Kelly Morrison, U.S. Representative from Minnesota..........    31121Hon. Timothy M. Kennedy, U.S. Representative from New York.......    50122123                                SENATORS124125Hon. Jerry Moran, Chairman, U.S. Senator from Kansas.............     4126Hon. Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member, U.S. Senator from127  Connecticut....................................................     6128Hon. Thom Tillis, U.S. Senator from North Carolina...............    18129Hon. Margaret Wood Hassan, U.S. Senator from New Hampshire.......    20130Hon. Jim Banks, U.S. Senator from Indiana........................    22131Hon. Angus S. King, Jr., U.S. Senator from Maine.................    25132Hon. Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Senator from Illinois.................    28133134                               INTRODUCER135136Hon. Joe Courtney, U.S. Representative from Connecticut..........     9137138                               WITNESSES139                                Panel I140141James LaCoursiere, Jr., National Commander, The American Legion..    10142143  accompanied by144145  Joe Sharpe, Director, Veterans Employment and Education146    Division147148  Matthew Jabaut, Chairman, Veterans Employment and Education149    Commission150151  Matthew Shuman, Chairman, Legislative Commission152153  Julia Mathis, Director, Legislative Division154155  John ``Jay'' Bowen, Chairman, Veterans Affairs and156    Rehabilitation157    Commission158159  Cole Lyle, Director, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation160    Division161162                                Panel II163164Gary Ginsburg, (USA-Ret.), National Commander, Jewish War165  Veterans of the USA............................................    37166167Lindsay Church, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Minority168  Veterans of America............................................    39169170Michael McLaughlin, Legislative Director, National Association of171  County Veterans Service Officers...............................    40172173CDR Rene A. Campos, (USN-Ret.), Senior Director, Government174  Relations, Military Officers Association of America............    42175176Timothy Sheppard, President, National Association of State177  Directors of Veterans Affairs..................................    44178179Raymond Toenniessen, Deputy Executive Director and Vice President180  for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, D'Aniello Institute181  for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University......    45182183Lt. Gen. Walter E. Piatt (Ret.), Chief Executive Officer, Wounded184  Warrior Project................................................    47185186                                APPENDIX187                          Prepared Statements188189James LaCoursiere, Jr., National Commander, The American Legion..    57190191Gary Ginsburg, (USA-Ret.), National Commander, Jewish War192  Veterans of the USA............................................    82193194  Appendix A: Special Focus on Antisemitism......................    92195196  Appendix B: Research Briefs from Rand Corporation and D'Aniello197    Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse198    University...................................................    93199200Lindsay Church, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Minority201  Veterans of America............................................    98202203Michael McLaughlin, Legislative Director, National Association of204  County Veterans Service Officers...............................   119205206  NACVSO Priorities for the 119th Congress.......................   123207208CDR Rene A. Campos, (USN-Ret.), Senior Director, Government209  Relations, Military Officers Association of America............   126210211Timothy Sheppard, President, National Association of State212  Directors of Veterans Affairs..................................   148213214Raymond Toenniessen, Deputy Executive Director and Vice President215  for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, D'Aniello Institute216  for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University......   166217218Lt. Gen. Walter E. Piatt (Ret.), Chief Executive Officer, Wounded219  Warrior Project................................................   176220221                       Submission for the Record222223Partial list of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs direct224  service contracts..............................................   205225226                        Questions for the Record227228The American Legion response to questions submitted by:229230  Hon. Margaret Wood Hassan......................................   211231232LEGISLATIVE PRESENTATION OF THE AMERICAN LEGION AND MULTI VSOs: JEWISH233    WAR VETERANS OF THE USA, MINORITY VETERANS OF AMERICA, NATIONAL234  ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICERS, MILITARY OFFICERS235  ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE DIRECTORS OF236    VETERANS AFFAIRS, D'ANIELLO INSTITUTE FOR VETERANS AND MILITARY237                 FAMILIES, AND WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT238239                              ----------240241                      WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2025242243             U.S. House of Representatives,244                                   and U.S. Senate,245                            Committee on Veterans' Affairs,246                                                    Washington, DC.247    The Committees met, pursuant to notice, at 10 a.m., in Room248390, Cannon House Office Building, Hon. Mike Bost, Chairman of249the Veterans' Affairs Committee, presiding.250251    Present:252253    Representatives Bost, Radewagen, Miller-Meeks, Hamadeh,254Takano, Pappas, Cherfilus-McCormick, McGarvey, Kennedy, Dexter,255Conaway, and Morrison.256257    Senators Moran, Tillis, Banks, Sheehy, Blumenthal, Hassan,258King, and Duckworth.259260              OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. MIKE BOST,261          CHAIRMAN, U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM ILLINOIS262263    Chairman Bost. Good morning. The hearing will come to264order. And good morning to everyone, thank you all for being265here, and I would like to welcome my Senate colleagues,266Chairman Moran, Ranking Member Blumenthal.267    Before we get started, I would like to acknowledge our268visitors present from the greatest state, the State of269Illinois. Anyone out there? Yes? All right. Well, just so you270know, when I said this yesterday, I am from Southern Illinois,271which is a little different as far as Illinois is concerned. If272you are really from Southern Illinois, you capitalize the273``S.'' And it is not a separate state, but sometimes we feel274that way. But I want to thank you all for traveling here from275Illinois. I know that is not an easy travel. I do that on a276regular basis. But if you would, could you just please stand?277Those of you that can. Thanks for being here.278    [Applause.]279    And it is an honor to be here with all of you, my fellow280Legionnaires. I am a Marine veteran.281    Voices. Hooah.282    Notice we Marines say that ``Oorah,'' right? The Army283people, they say that different. But I am a proud member of284Murphysboro Post 127. And though we are busy, I want to tell285you little neat things about Murphysboro Post 127. It is the286Paul Stout Post and Paul Stout was actually fought as a Marine.287I know this. He fought in Belleau Wood, then he fought in the288Battle of Bella, and then he was killed in the next, and he was289a private. But on his 100th anniversary of his death, we290actually at the Paul Stout Post--because we have a local craft291brewery, we actually--they made a Paul Stout [laughter]. And so292it was wonderful to do that. So I am very happy to talk to you293about my post.294    Now, before you check, I want you to know I have got my295dues paid up. So, just, Commander, know my dues are paid. All296right.297    You know, the American Legion has a dutiful work on behalf298of those who have served our country for more than 100 years,299and it is a privilege to be part of that organization. With300that being said, I also want to welcome Mr. James LaCourseiere,301the National Commander of the American Legion, and his spouse,302Lisa. Thank you for being here.303    [Applause.]304    I am looking forward to continuing our partnership to305better serve veterans across the U.S. The American Legion does306an outstanding job of sharing their perspective and concerns of307their members with our Committee. Our work here on the308Committee is greatly assisted by their dedication to the309mission. It is our honor. It is an honor for me to be here310today serving as a House Committee, Veterans' Affairs in the311Chair. It is my second term as Chair and I never thought this312corporal would ever have an opportunity to do that.313    This mission of the VA Committee has always been personal314to me. If you were around yesterday when we had the other315panels before us, you know that--so my father and his brothers316were all Army, Korean War. Had a grandfather who was Navy,317Second World War. Had a grandfather who was Marine, Korean War.318Had an uncle that was Marine, Vietnam, victim of the ultimate319oxymoron, friendly fire. He did survive and he is doing very320well today thanks to a lot of help from the VA. So then me,321noncombat Marine, and my son who is a Lieutenant Colonel today,322is actually a reservist, but was active for many years. He is a323JAG in the Corps. My grandson who just got out of the Corps,324who was an F-18 mechanic. So as you can see, it is really,325really personal to me when it comes to our veterans.326    Now, every time I sit at the dais and we are getting into327debate whether it is with the VA or the other side of the328aisle, I am always thinking of the veterans. And I told this329story yesterday and I will tell it again to you. If you have330ever been around here in DC and seen me walking up down the331halls or seen me on the floor or seen me here, I wear this332bracelet. This bracelet has the colors of my Corps, and it was333given to me by a Vietnam veteran. Honest to goodness, he just334went by Lieutenant Dan. And Lieutenant Dan gave it to me 11335years ago whenever he found out that I was going to be on the336VA Committee. And he said, Mike, I want to give you this and I337am going to give you a couple of them because if you wear them338all the time, you will get them dirty, you will wear them out.339But he said, I want you to wear it because I want you to look340down and remember who you were there serving, and that way I341don't forget. I don't think I would forget anyway, but this342helps.343    For me, it is about the veteran. It is not about protecting344government bureaucracy. And I know the sacrifices each of you345have made. Each of you has fought to protect our Constitutional346rights. We had many important accomplishments last Congress,347but many issues still remain. And I am grateful for this348opportunity to learn more about what we as Congress can help349our Nation's veterans do.350    Veterans should have the freedom to use the benefits of VA351offered in exchange for their service to meet their individual352needs. And they shouldn't be spending hours driving in their353cars to get them or combing through wonky paperwork for months354on end or needlessly waiting for a phone call to get a simple355answer. You know where the VA is falling short, as do I. And356you know where we need to push the agency to bring it out of357the Stone Age and into the New Age. You have my commitment that358as long as I am in charge, we will continue to fight for you359and the voices you represent, the hundreds of thousands of360veterans outside this DC beltway who just want their health361care on time and their benefits when they need them.362    This old corporal takes this mission seriously and I know363my friend and our new Secretary of the VA, Doug Collins, does364too. Under President Trump's leadership, I know we are going to365put you, the veteran, and the VA services back at the center of366the VA mission. And when the bureaucrats try to get in the way,367I will continue to be the first to hold them accountable and368get answers for you.369    We made great progress with the passage of the Dole Act,370and I am incredibly grateful to the American Legion for their371support in getting this bill across the finish line. And I am372committed to improving VA's ability to hold their employees373accountable so that the veterans have access to world class374care.375    I am grateful to the American Legion for their support of376the Restore Accountability Act of 2025, which would do just377that. We must deliver for our veterans to protect their health378care choice, expand economic and education opportunities and379streamline benefits and get it--and get it done. I promise to380keep up the fight we are all in together. Now, it is time to381take--it is not time to take our foot off the gas. I look382forward to completing our mission alongside of you.383    Once again, thank you for being here today and I want to384now recognize Chairman Moran for his opening statement.385386             OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. JERRY MORAN,387               CHAIRMAN, U.S. SENATOR FROM KANSAS388389    Chairman Moran. Mr. Chairman, thank you. As I said390yesterday, I am pleased to be with you and my colleagues from391the House and the Senate as we examine the desires of a number392of VSOs for their agenda for this new Congress. And I thank you393for the Commander. Commander, I thank you for your presence394here this morning and all the American Legion accompanying395witnesses. I recognize the role that the American Legion plays396at home in Kansas and here in Washington, DC as we advocate for397the well-being of veterans today and in the future. And I398welcome any Kansans in the audience and welcome Kansans at home399who are paying attention to this hearing today.400    I want to thank the American Legion for their--and many of401the of the folks on the second panel for their support for The402Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits403Improvement Act. We must make certain that we don't just pass404legislation, but it is implemented in a way that actually405serves veterans, and we are continuing to make certain that we406take every step to see that is the case in this legislation.407    The American Legion and others testifying here today have408also extended their support for the ACCESS Act, the Precision409Brain Health Research Act, the Veterans 2nd Amendment410Protection Act, and my National Guard and Reserve GI Bill411Parity Act, all of which have been introduced in this Congress.412    As I said yesterday, the policies and programs that we will413discuss today depend upon a strong and effective workforce at414the VA to deliver the care and benefits veterans deserve. I am415committed to working with the VSOs, with the American Legion416and others and my colleagues on this panel to make certain that417the necessary VA workforce is preserved as the VA implements418new federal workforce guidance.419    The VA must be forthcoming and transparent with Congress,420with the VSOs, and the public about how it is implementing421workforce changes and work to avoid or correct actions that422could undermine veteran access to care and benefits. Thank you423again, Commander LaCourseiere, for being here. I look forward424to your testimony, and I yield back.425    Chairman Bost. Thank you, Senator. I now recognize Ranking426Member Takano for his opening statement.427428             OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. MARK TAKANO,429      RANKING MEMBER, U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM CALIFORNIA430431    Mr. Takano. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today we432continue our annual series of joint hearings. I am pleased to433welcome our first panel, the National Commander and434representatives of the American Legion, as well as our second435panel, representatives from Minority Veterans of America,436Jewish War Veterans, the National Association of County437Veterans Service Officers, the Military Officers Association of438America, National Association of State Directors of Veterans439Affairs, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at440Syracuse University, and the Wounded Warrior Project. I would441like to extend this very special welcome to the American442Legion's National Commander, James LaCourseiere, a junior from443Connecticut, and the National Auxiliary President, Trish Ward444from Kansas.445    Now, before I begin my remarks, I have to ask, are there446any Californians in the room this morning? Right on, thank you.447    [Hand clap.]448    You can do better--well, let's move on. These hearings are449important because they are a great opportunity for us to hear450from the VSOs about issues impacting veterans in their daily451lives. It was at these hearings in 2022 when the VSO stood in452solidarity calling on Congress to pass the Honoring our PACT453Act. Without you, we would never have passed the largest454expansion of veterans healthcare and benefits since the Vietnam455War. Without you, millions of veterans would still be456struggling to access healthcare for the toxic exposures they457experienced in service to our country. I will always be458grateful to the VSOs for helping us get it done.459    Now, as I have said all along, the PACT Act was never meant460to be a one and done. There is still so much more work to be461done because the PACT was not only about toxic exposure, it was462also about our promise to ensure that veterans have access to463their care and benefits, and that we do everything we can to464end veteran homelessness and veteran suicide, address new465categories of illness and injury associated with military466service, for example blast injury and military traumatic brain467injury. Finally, achieve Guard and Reserve parity, ensure that468VA is welcoming to all veterans who have earned the right to be469there. Ensure that VA's infrastructure can support its mission470and so much more.471    Unfortunately, I am not optimistic under this472administration. I have grave concerns about how President473Trump's Executive orders are being carried out across the474Federal Government, most especially at the Department of475Veterans Affairs, and how they are going to impact veterans. We476learned on Monday that VA indiscriminately fired an additional4771,400 employees. That means we have lost more than 2,400 VA478employees just in the last two weeks, many of them veterans.479And this doesn't even account for the folks who took the480questionable fork in the road buyout offer. I question how481purging the workforce, firing the watchdogs, and making VA482hostile to certain veterans is helping VA serve veterans483better.484    I think serving veterans is why we are all here. It is485certainly why I am here and why I serve on this Committee,486because I think there is no higher calling or honor than to487serve those who have served.488    Now since he was sworn in, I have requested information489from Secretary Collins about his implementation of the490Executive orders and his employment actions against VA491employees, none of which he has responded to. This is very492troubling. I am also concerned about the administration's493attacks on inclusion and accessibility and its focus on494intentional exclusion. President Trump's remarks are making VA495a less welcoming place for millions of veterans. In fact, one496of his first actions was to close the VBA Office of Equity497Assurance, the office tasked with eliminating disparities in498the award of disability benefits as a product of499discrimination. It is absolutely necessary having a negative500impact on access to care and benefits for our Nation's most501underserved veterans.502    This administration has turned the DEI into a bogeyman to503distract from the fact that they have no real solutions to the504issues that Americans are struggling with. Whether it is eggs505and gas are getting more expensive and not cheaper, Medicare506and Social Security are greater at risk than ever before, and507this administration is too focused on tax breaks for Elon Musk508and his billionaire friends to care.509    Now, the Chairman is quick to claim that we want to choose510bureaucracy over veterans, and I dispute that claim. What about511the veterans who lost their jobs to the Trump administration's512indiscriminate firings of federal employees? What about the513black veterans who were unable to access VA home loans due to514redlining? What about women veterans whose service is still,515still not valued as much as their male peers and are now516worried about the loss of gender specific care at VA? What517about the LGBTQ+ veterans whose health is in jeopardy because518of the administration's denial of their very existence?519    Ensuring the institution is there to serve veterans is520putting veterans first. It is our job to ensure access to world521class health care and benefits to all veterans who have earned522that right, and I take that responsibility very seriously. It523is my hope that I can count on the VSO community to help us524hold VA accountable to all veterans and that you will also hold525Congress accountable by making sure we walk the talk, that we526are carrying out our Constitutional oversight responsibilities527by asking tough questions, demanding answers, and taking528legislative action when needed. We cannot waver in this because529we know that veterans are depending on us.530    Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back.531    Chairman Bost. Thank you, Ranking Member. We now yield to532the Ranking Member of the Senate, Mr. Blumenthal, for his533opening statement. Thanks for being here again.534535         OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. RICHARD BLUMENTHAL,536         RANKING MEMBER, U.S. SENATOR FROM CONNECTICUT537538    Senator Blumenthal. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am honored539to be here with fellow Legionnaires. Thank you all for coming540today, and the record will reflect that we are standing room541only today and some of the folks who attended had to be542siphoned to a different room. Your being here sends a powerful543message about how much you care and how you will be a voice for544veterans. We can make the speeches from this platform, but you545are the ones who get it done. And I am proud to be a member of546the American Legion in Connecticut. Very proud to welcome my547fellow Legionnaire, Jim LaCourseiere and your wife, Lisa, and548thanks to all of your family. We know that in the military and549in the VSOs, families serve. Spouses and children serve as well550as we do.551    And of course, to my colleague, Joe Courtney, thank you for552being here to do the introductions.553    We know that service in the military these day is very much554a matter of family. Less than 1 percent of our entire555population these days have anything to do with service in the556military. My two sons who have served, of my four children, my557son Matthew, whom some of you know, a Marine Corps Veteran558served as an infantry officer in Afghanistan. My other son,559Michael, a Navy SEAL. But they come by it because they have560looked to you as role models, and I am very proud to have been561in the Marine Corps Reserve myself.562    Service in the VSOs and advocacy for veterans is a563bipartisan task. Let me just stress, it always has been, and it564must continue to be. I am proud to serve with Senator Moran and565to introduce with him just recently the National Guard and566Reserve GI Bill Parity Act, which would expand the GI Bill's567eligibility to Guard and Reserve members every day in uniform568on account for those kinds of well-earned benefits. And with569Senator Boozman, the Caring for Survivors Act, which would570increase the dependency and indemnity compensation payments to571surviving spouses. We have to continue that bipartisan572tradition.573    And I want to thank the veterans service organizations for574blowing the whistle on what is happening these days, literally575every day. You heard some of them from Representative Takano,576and I quoted yesterday from the Veterans of Foreign Wars577Commander Lipphardt, who said, ``That the administration is578engaged in indiscriminate firing,'' I am quoting him, ``of579veterans in the government workforce.'' I am also calling on580VFW members to march forth and join me on March 4th when he581will be testifying. And I am quoting him, ``I want to see hats582in the hallways of our Capitol as our legislative committee583members engage with lawmakers in demanding that they `Honor the584Contract' the government made with those who have already585served and sacrificed so much for America and their fellow586Americans. It is time to apply pressure and stop the587bleeding.''588    That is on us, all of us, to be there for our veterans, to589be their voice and face in protesting the 2,400 firings that590have already occurred at the VA. Across the government, 6,000591veterans have been fired from their jobs in government592agencies. Just last night, the secretary of the VA announced593cancellation of 875 contracts worth $2 billion. He began his594message, ``I got some big news for you.'' And then he had a595happy talk video which assured us that no problem, nothing to596see here. They are all just consulting contracts. Well, in597fact, I have a spreadsheet. I am going to ask, if there is no598objection, Mr. Chairman, that it be made a part of our record.599    Chairman Bost. Without objection.600    Senator Blumenthal. This is a partial list, partial list of601those 875 contracts that provide direct service to veterans for602cancer care, for recruiting of doctors, for decontamination of603facilities that are polluted. This list was provided to my604office by officials within the VA. It doesn't contain605procurement sensitive information. It is a description of some606of those contracts and input from VA officials on why they are607needed to help serve veterans and taxpayers. And I am asking608the Secretary to provide us with a clean copy, a full copy,609full disclosure and transparency. And I will ask that it be610made part of the record when it is furnished. I have asked a611bunch of questions.612    Chairman Bost. Without objection.613614    [The information referred to appear on pages 205-208 of the615Appendix.]616617    Senator Blumenthal. Representative Takano has--I have yet618to receive answers.619    Let me just conclude by saying, and I am going to quote the620VA Secretary in his video, ``Don't let nameless sources, even621Senators and House members who want to scare you and media who622want to perpetuate the line. We are taking care of the623veterans.'' That is belied by those cuts, by the hiring624freezes, by the firings that are occurring in real time right625now. And they are having a real impact in Connecticut where626veterans are coming to me and saying, for example, the Veterans627Crisis Line has been impacted, making a difference in people's628lives, saving veterans from potential suicide.629    I want to thank all of you for being here today and630providing that kind of face and voice which is so essential to631making sure that our veterans are represented, that their632interests are protected, and that we stop the bleeding. Thank633you, Mr. Chairman.634    Chairman Bost. Thank you, Ranking Member. Now, once again,635my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are choosing to636put fear over facts. Last night they erroneously announced that637the VA is canceling 875 contracts, hoping to create panic and638score political points. Contracts should be reviewed if they639are outdated, redundant or ineffective. That is good640government. You want good government. This is about responsible641stewardship to each one of you as a veteran who have fought to642make sure that the facilities and the VA is providing for your643needs at the best possible dollar because not only are you644veterans, you are taxpayers. Not only are you taxpayers, but645you are also this country. You have fought to make sure our646country remains free. And if we don't sensibly handle our647budget in this Nation and China owns our debt, you will all648have fought for naught. Now think about that.649    Last night, Secretary Collins announced termination of650contracts valuing $2 billion. While we do not know the final651number of terminated contracts, it is not 875. And reviewing652the contract is a best practice that we all should support. You653would do it in your household. Why in the world wouldn't we do654it at the VA? One, because it usually makes something work655better, and two, because it usually makes room for something656better to take its place. It is about ensuring every dollar657spent by the VA directly supports veterans, not wasteful658bureaucracy.659    And on a couple other issues. When those who have received660the slips of being laid off receive those slips--in their slip,661it says that if you think your job is essential, you can appeal662to your supervisor and immediately have a review. And there is663due process in place to make that no one is lost through that664process.665    And when it comes to the hotline for our veterans666experiencing the fear of possibly committing suicide, there667were a few backroom employees that unfortunately were included668in that list and they have already been put back on the job. We669are doing the thing that we need to do for you as veterans and670for you as taxpayers.671    And with that, we need to move on with the Committee. And672with that, I want to now yield to our friend and colleague,673Representative Courtney, to introduce the American Legion674Commander.675676              INTRODUCTION BY HON. JOE COURTNEY,677              U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM CONNECTICUT678679    Mr. Courtney. Great. Well, good morning and thank you,680Chairman Bost, Chairman, Senator Moran, Ranking Member681Blumenthal, my friend and colleague from Connecticut, and682Ranking Member Takano.683    And again, it is a great privilege and honor to be here684today to introduce the new National Commander of the American685Legion, Jim LaCourseiere, who is a constituent from Plainfield,686Connecticut in the 2nd Congressional District and also a good687friend. We have known each other for many years. It has an688exciting moment for Connecticut. It has been 71 years since a689Legionnaire from Connecticut has held the position as National690Commander, and he is somebody who has gotten there the old-691fashioned way. He has really earned it. He is an Air Force692veteran, served in the 1980s, served overseas in Grenada and693Lebanon, honorably discharged, and is again, after he left the694Service, began a 27-year journey to get to where he is today as695National Commander.696    His post, Post 91 in Plainfield, Connecticut, is a very697activist post, very healthy post in terms of membership. Put on698a lot of veterans events in the district. Actually, Connecticut699and Eastern Connecticut has the highest concentration of700veterans in New England. We, again, are a district that has the701oldest submarine base in America, the Groton Submarine Base.7029,000 sailors and officers. And sometimes people don't think of703New England necessarily as a high concentration veteran area,704but the opposite is true.705    And as I said, Jim, you know, both as a local commander and706also working in the state department of American Legion in707Connecticut, again, has just been a really passionate advocate708for advancing the goals both at the state level in Hartford and709here in Washington, DC. But even more importantly, we have710worked together on individual casework with veterans who have711been struggling in terms of getting the help that they need.712And again, I just cannot think of a better person to really713take on the tough job of leading this great organization, the714American Legion.715    A lot of people are very cynical these days. Obviously716about Washington, DC, they think the only way you can ever get717anything done down here is by hiring lobbyists or having super718PACs. The American Legion is actually the true rebuttal of that719in terms of just the grassroots advocacy with individual720members coming to Members of Congress office to advocate year721in and year out. And again, as we have heard from many of the722speeches earlier this morning, I mean, there have been some723really tremendous success that kind of defy the conventional724wisdom that you can never change anything here in Washington.725    So again, it is my honor to again introduce and yield to726Jim and wish him all the best in terms of his service in the727next year as National Commander. And again, I think he is going728to do great things for our country. And with that, I yield729back. Thank you.730    Chairman Bost. Thank you, Congressman Courtney.731    [Applause.]732    And I would--I would now like to recognize Commander733LaCourseiere to introduce the individuals on the panel.734    Mr. Courtney. So Jim is joined today by Julia Mathis from735the Legislative Department of the American Legion. Director736Cole Lyle from the VA&R. Chairman Jay Bowen also from the VA&R.737Chairman Matt Jabaut from the great State of Maine as the VE&E.738And Director Joseph Sharp, VE&E. And Chairman Matt Shuman of739Legislative. And welcome to all of them for being here this740morning.741    Chairman Bost. Thank you all for being here.742    [Applause.]743    And Commander, you are now recognized for 10 minutes for744your opening statement.745746                            PANEL I747748                              ----------749750 STATEMENT OF JAMES LACOURSIERE, JR., NATIONAL COMMANDER, THE751 AMERICAN LEGION ACCOMPANIED BY JOE SHARPE, DIRECTOR, VETERANS752 EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION DIVISION; MATTHEW JABAUT, CHAIRMAN,753 VETERANS EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION COMMISSION; MATTHEW SHUMAN,754   CHAIRMAN, LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION; JULIA MATHIS, DIRECTOR,755 LEGISLATIVE DIVISION; JOHN ``JAY'' BOWEN, CHAIRMAN, VETERANS756AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION COMMISSION; AND COLE LYLE, DIRECTOR,757          VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION DIVISION758759    Mr. LaCoursiere. Thank you, Chairman Bost, and thank you760for the very kind introduction Congressman Courtney. I would761also like to give a special shout-out to Senator Richard762Blumenthal, also from Connecticut.763    Chairman Bost, before I begin, with your permission, I764would like to introduce a few very important people to me. Sons765of the American Legion, National Commander Joseph Navarrete of766New Mexico, American Legion Auxiliary National President Trish767Ward of Kansas, American Legion National Officers serving with768me this year, and past National Commanders of the American769Legion. And last, my incredible wife, Lisa.770    [Applause.]771    Chairman Bost, Ranking Member Takano, Chairman Moran,772Ranking Member Blumenthal, on behalf of nearly 3 million773members of the American Legion family who proudly serve774communities, states and our Nation every day, we deeply775appreciate the opportunity to discuss our legislative776priorities for the 119th Congress. Your distinguished777Committees focus almost exclusively on our Nation's sacred778obligation to ensure that veterans of the United States Armed779Forces receive the best health care, disability benefits and780respect they deserve after their service.781    But I want to put that obligation into a slightly different782context.783    It begins with military service. We are all aware of the784recruiting challenges our branches of service have faced in785recent years. One frequently stated reason directly points to786our work in support for veterans. A propensity to serve.787Military service is an important commitment. A major part of788the American Legion's purpose is to make sure that commitment789provides worthwhile during and after time spent in uniform.790    Over the decades, the American Legion has fought to791establish and provide continuous oversight for the Department792of Veterans Affairs to ensure care for all who have borne the793battle. We drafted and fought to pass the GI Bill and to794improve it regularly over the years, so it stays relevant for795new generations.796    To empower those who served with opportunities to succeed.797We created a network of trained accredited service officers to798represent veterans in matters with the VA to ensure that799veterans understand the laws that have been passed to help them800with health care and disability benefits they earned and801deserve. The American Legion demanded accountability for those802who were sickened or died due to toxic exposure, and we worked803to reduce any stigma associated with seeking mental health804care. The American Legion believes that each one of us can and805must Be The One to help just one other veteran overcome suicide806risk.807    Peer-to-peer support. Put simply, it is what we do. If we808fail to live up to these important covenants, the thanks of a809grateful Nation to those who have sacrificed so much simply810falls flat. Young people have been told that military service811will leave them broken or unsupported in the end, will think812twice about their propensity to serve at all. And that is a813matter of National Security.814    We need to change the narrative. We can change the815narrative. Service in the United States Armed Forces is hard816enough that service should not create unnecessary hardships. We817stand by federal efforts to create a more efficient, cost818effective VA. We must also look closely at connections that can819be made better before discharge because they weigh heavily on820life afterward.821    Among our legislative priorities, and has been the case for822many years, is completion and implementation of an electronic823health records management system that documents deployment and824medical history from the day of enlistment throughout a825veteran's life. As Chairman Bost has stated, veterans are also826taxpayers, and billions of our taxpayer dollars have been spent827on this. The result has been delays, unsuccessful pilot828programs, flawed infrastructure, and the continued inability of829the Department of Defense and VA to make a transition seamless830as possible for those leaving service and entering their lives831as veterans.832    Another concern we hear continuously from the newest833generation is the ineffectiveness of an outdated Transition834Assistance Program, also known as TAP. Members of the Armed835Forces deserve the chance to convert their military training836and skills into meaningful post-service careers, and that takes837an effective, outcome-driven TAP program. A program that takes838into account all the challenges of transition from financial839knowledge to career opportunity to mental health services.840Otherwise, all that training and all those skills in the United841States invested in these service members are left behind when842they could be helping drive the United States economy forward.843    Veterans left to confront difficult transitions without844proper preparation are at risk for a number of bad outcomes,845not the least of which is suicide. According to the VA's own846research, veterans are the most at risk for suicide in the847first 12 months after discharge. Additional research has shown848that financial strain accounts for 20 percent of the top 20849risk factors for suicide. A hard look at TAP, which needs to850begin earlier for those nearing separation, can lead to a851stronger model that will ease transition and advance the852propensity to serve.853    Military service becomes a more worthwhile pursuit when the854rewards in that service are valuable.855    Chairman Bost, there may be no greater incentive to serve856in the United States Armed Forces than the GI Bill. There were85710 planks in the original GI Bill, not just free college858tuition. Also included were health care, the ability to859affordably purchase a home, business opportunities, and860occupational training for the severely disabled so they could861reenter civilian life empowered with purpose. Many said the GI862Bill would break the Treasury. In fact it returns $7 for every863taxpayer dollar invested. It built the American middle class,864which our Nation has enjoyed for over half a century and still865enjoys today.866    And now, as we continue to seek congressional action to867provide GI Bill Parity for National Guard and Reserve veterans,868we must ask, why wouldn't we? All we have is proof that it869works. We can change the narrative about the outcomes of870military service. We can change it with tangible steps such as871highly efficient VA health care and benefits systems that are872easier to access and navigate. Regardless of whether you live873in a big city or in rural Kansas or Illinois, using telehealth,874community providers, or traditional VA facilities, mental875health support without stigmatization and advance what we call876Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) to empower those so effective to877not only recover but to thrive. A TAP program and GI Bill that878truly live up to the promises our Nation has made to those who879have chosen the path of military service.880    A propensity to serve simply means understanding the value881of the commitment I and my fellow Legionnaires in this room882have made. It is a lifelong commitment, and we are all proud of883our service because we know America is worth it. We are duty884bound as veterans who believe in a strong America to do all we885can to show that worth.886    In the American Legion, we don't just talk about these887issues, we live them. So far, our academic partner, Columbia888University, the American Legion have trained more than 12,000889people nationwide to identify risk for veteran suicide and take890the right steps to prevent it through our Be The One mission.891Last year, American Legion service officers helped more than8921.2 million veterans free of charge with their VA disability893claims and resulted in $21 billion in awarded claims to894veterans. Each year the American Legion at the local, state and895National levels is involved with more than 1,100 career events896to help veterans and families in transition.897    The American Legion family also spends millions of898volunteer hours and donates billions of dollars annually to899support VA facilities nationwide. We also mentor thousands of900young people each year and award millions of dollars in901scholarships to help them become productive, responsible902citizens.903    And when natural disasters strike, from hurricanes in the904Carolinas to wildfires in Los Angeles, our members leaned into905harm's way and provide relief. American Legion family post906squadrons and units have been vital partners in recovery from907disaster for over a century.908    Like you, we all took an oath to support and defend the909Constitution, the United States of America. We work with our910government of this great Nation that pledged our lives to911defend because we want to see America continue to prosper.912    On behalf of the Nation's largest veterans service913organization, I thank you for the opportunity to share these914thoughts with you and look forward to working with this new915Congress, especially as we draw near to the 250th anniversary916of our great Nation's independence.917    Chairman Bost, Chairman Moran, I thank you for the918opportunity to address your critical Committees and I look919forward to answering your questions you or other Members may920have. Thank you.921    [Standing ovation.]922923    [The prepared statement of Mr. LaCoursiere appears on page92457 of the Appendix.]925926    Senator Moran [presiding]. Commander LaCourseiere, thank927you for your very forceful testimony. Thank you for your928presence, and your colleagues here today.929    We were going to have a round of 3 minute questions, and I930would ask my colleagues because of the length of the day, that931we work hard to stay within that 3 minutes.932    And I now recognize myself for that first 3 minutes.933    Commander, are you hearing concerns from veterans whose934conditions are not covered by presumption of service-connection935or whose locations or years of service are not included in936existing presumptions? If so, are you voicing these concerns to937the VA and what are you being told by the Department of938Veterans Affairs?939    Mr. LaCoursiere. Chairman Moran, the American Legion cares940deeply about this and how it impacts our veterans. At this941time, to give you a more clear response, I would like to turn942it over to Director Cole Lyle of VA&R.943    Chairman Moran. Director.944    Mr. Lyle. Thank you, Commander, and thank you, Mr.945Chairman. The American Legion obviously lobbied very hard for946the passage of the PACT Act. I think the greatest mechanism947that the PACT Act created was the ability for the VA to948consider new presumptive conditions in a faster, timelier949manner so we don't get into another Agent Orange situation950where veterans have to wait years and decades to receive the951benefits and healthcare that they deserve from specific952conditions. I am not aware of any specific conditions not953currently covered by the list of presumptives under the PACT954Act, but I am happy to take that for the record.955956------------------------------------------------------------------------957958-------------------------------------------------------------------------959TAL Response: The American Legion recently met with veterans who were960 active duty at inactive nuclear test sites (recognized by the EPA as961 containing actively radioactive soil) suffering from a variety of962 cancers (lymphomas I believe were the most common). They also reported963 reproductive concerns; one veteran had three live born children die964 before the age of 10.965------------------------------------------------------------------------966967------------------------------------------------------------------------968969-------------------------------------------------------------------------970TAL Response (cont.): Families stationed at Atsugi base in Japan have971 reported several cancers and respiratory conditions common in the972 population.973974Pearl Harbor Joint Base had a water contamination crisis in 2021, which975 affected families and service members stationed there. It took a week976 for the families to be told the water was contaminated and \1/3\ of977 them sought medical care. They reported rashes and persistent978 migraines, but we are unaware of any specific cancers or other chronic979 physiological issues. It's too soon to know long term issues.980981These issues have been relayed to VA officials, and we have not yet982 received feedback.983------------------------------------------------------------------------984985    Chairman Moran. Let me--thank you for your answer. Let me986follow up with a reminder that Title II of the PACT Act987established a new framework to make decisions regarding new988presumptions of service-connection, which hopefully intended to989make it easier for non-toxic exposed veterans to file for,990receive, and receive disability compensation. Over two years991after the enactment of the PACT Act, I would ask if the VA is992utilizing that process in consultation with you and other VSOs993to give you the opportunity to provide that information.994    Mr. Lyle. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So the VA is supposed to995have quarterly briefings and updates in collaboration with the996veterans service organizations. They have not been occurring on997a regular basis, and we have expressed concerns to VA officials998about those meetings to continue to have a collaborative999discussion on new presumptive conditions.1000    Chairman Moran. Thank you, I will do the same thing.1001    Commander, could you speak to the important role that State1002Veterans Homes play in caring for our Nation's veterans. And1003why, in at least in my view, it is critically important to1004increase resources for the creation of new homes as well as1005well as renovate and expand existing home?1006    Mr. LaCoursiere. Chairman Moran, again, thank you very much1007for that question. Because the American Legion cares about this1008with our veterans and how they are impacted by it, for more1009clarity, I would like to turn that back over to Director Cole1010once again.1011    Chairman Moran. Director.1012    Mr. Lyle. Thank you, Commander, and thank you, Mr.1013Chairman. State Veterans Homes obviously play a critical role1014in the long term care and health services of our Nation's1015veterans. You know, the American Legion will continue to1016advocate for funding and for the creation of State Veterans1017Homes in support of our Nation's veterans.1018    Chairman Moran. Thank you. I now recognize the Ranking1019Member of the House, Representative Takano.1020    Mr. Takano. Thank you, Chairman Moran. Commander1021LaCourseiere, have you seen the VFW statement related to VA's1022indiscriminate firing of veterans?1023    Mr. LaCoursiere. Ranking Member Takano, no, I have not read1024that yet, but I did hear about that and after this conference I1025will look into it and then I will discuss it with our D.C.1026staff.1027    Mr. Takano. Thank you. Do you agree with some of the1028sentiments in that statement that the loss of thousands of VA1029employees, many of them veterans, is troubling?1030    Mr. LaCoursiere. Ranking Member Takano, because the1031American Legion fights to protect and oversee the care and1032well-being of our veterans on a daily basis, once again, I1033would like to turn this back over to Director Cole.1034    Mr. Takano. Thank you. Director, Mr. Cole.1035    Mr. Lyle. Thank you, Mr. Commander, and thank you for the1036question, Ranking Member Takano. Obviously there is a lot of1037anxiety about this in the--in the veteran community. We two1038days ago spoke, we held a leadership panel with senior career1039officials of the VA who actually did express happiness with the1040liberal exemption policy, as they put it. The firings1041themselves, we spoke with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs1042yesterday. Today, our testimony is our statement that we did1043have a conversation with him and concerns about the clarity in1044which these firings were occurring and that we would like to1045have a productive conversation with him and with your1046Committees going forward about how it would impact veterans.1047    But the career officials that we spoke with, I asked this1048direct question and said, ``do you anticipate any impacts of1049these firings on veteran direct healthcare and benefits?'' And1050they did not express any concern that they would, but we will1051continue to have productive conversations with them.1052    Mr. Takano. What about the veterans themselves who have had1053stellar performance records, but whose memo which stated that1054they were fired because of their performance is one of the1055reasons? Do you have any concerns about actual veterans who1056were dismissed with such memos?1057    Mr. Lyle. Sir, I--I am not aware of any specific cases. I1058am happy to take that for the record and work with your office1059on those specific cases. But I will say the American Legion,1060whether it be government employees or private sector employees,1061stands ready to assist veterans dealing with unemployment,1062financial challenges, and other things.10631064------------------------------------------------------------------------10651066-------------------------------------------------------------------------1067TAL Response: In the time passed since this question was posed, there1068 have been court rulings to reinstate those who were fired by VA.1069 Although we are aware of veterans with good performance as a federal1070 employee taking the Delayed Retirement Program, we have not encountered1071 specific cases of a veteran being fired due to alleged performance1072 issues with a track record of good performance.1073------------------------------------------------------------------------10741075    Mr. Takano. Well, thank you. Mr.--Commander LaCourseiere, I1076see in your written testimony the American Legion recognizes1077the importance of balancing the use of community care with VA1078direct care and that VA's agent infrastructure is a contributor1079to the misbalance we are seeing. How do you think we should1080address this to ensure that there is always a VA for veterans1081to go to?1082    Mr. LaCoursiere. Ranking Member Takano in all respect and1083to save on time, I am going to turn that over to Director Cole1084again, please.1085    Mr. Lyle. Thank you, Commander. Community care and the1086codification of access standards, I think is or the American1087Legion thinks is the right way to go to ensure veterans can get1088the care they need when they need it. I think to a large1089extent, infrastructure obviously plays a huge role in the VA's1090internal capacity to be able to care for them. And we have1091expressed a desire for increased appropriations for major and1092minor construction, an increase in flexibility of leasing so1093that the VA is able to handle--preferably get the care at the1094VA rather than sending them out into the community. But1095ultimately the veteran must come first, and that decision must1096be between a veteran and their provider based on their best1097medical interest.1098    Chairman Moran. Senator Blumenthal.1099    Senator Blumenthal. Thanks, Mr. Chairman. I quoted earlier1100Secretary Collins who said that you should disregard Senators1101and House members who want to scare you. We are telling you the1102truth and it is scary, and I urge you to ask for the facts1103about those VA employees who have been fired. Employees with1104years of service who have good performance reviews and more1105important than even their fate, they serve veterans. They are1106the ones who process those benefits under the PACT Act.1107    One of the most common constituent complaints I receive and1108you as Legionnaires, probably with your fellow veterans here,1109is the delay in processing benefits. These are not gifts. They1110are not charitable handouts. You have earned them under the1111PACT Act, under all of the government programs that keep1112promises to you. The VA is breaking those promises. And it1113isn't even the VA. It is Elon Musk who is using algorithms and1114AI formulas. His tech bros are applying them to decide well, so1115and so is dispensable, this benefits processor, these doctors.1116We need to reestablish the kind of oversight and supervision1117that they are eliminating through abolishing and firing the1118inspectors general.1119    I want to thank you Commander for your testimony. ``The1120hiring freeze has the potential to impact millions of veterans,1121particularly those waiting on adjudication of claims post-PACT1122Act,'' that indicates to me that you share this concern. Do you1123know of veterans, Commander, who have been delayed in terms of1124benefits received?1125    Mr. LaCoursiere. Ranking Member Blumenthal, thank you very1126much for that question and everything. That is a topic that we1127are very concerned about because we do care about the well-1128being of our veterans and their families. But at this time,1129once again, I would like to defer it over to Director Cole.1130    Mr. Lyle. Thank you, Commander, and thank you, Ranking1131Member Blumenthal. We, again, spoke with those VA officials and1132raised similar concerns. I know the last year VA officials said1133that they were aiming at VBA and the Board of Veterans' Appeals1134to get back to pre-Pandemic lump luck levels by the end of11352025. I asked them in consideration with all the personnel1136changes, the hiring freeze, return to work, all of them, if1137they anticipated any negative effect on veteran benefits, and1138they indicated that it would not affect their ability. They1139said that that goal to get back to pre-Pandemic levels by the1140end of this year was still the target.1141    Senator Blumenthal. Well, let me suggest that you apply a1142high degree of skepticism.1143    Mr. Lyle. Yes, sir.1144    Senator Blumenthal. To the happy talk and smiley faces of1145the VA who obviously have a party line to espouse, and talk to1146your members, talk to veterans, talk to real people who are1147suffering real impacts, not just on the processing of benefits1148in a timely way, but also Veterans Crisis Line that save people1149from suicide. Recruiting of doctors. There are shortages.1150    I am willing to bet in most of your VA facilities, doctors1151and nurses, they need to be recruited and retained. Go down the1152kinds of services that are essential to health care and1153benefits. You can't fire 2,400 people without there being an1154impact. I yield back.1155    Chairman Moran. Thank you, Senator. Representative1156Radewagen of American Samoa is recognized.11571158              HON. AUMUA AMATA COLEMAN RADEWAGEN,1159            U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM AMERICAN SAMOA11601161    Mrs. Radewagen. Thank you, Chairman and Ranking Members.1162Talofa lava. I want to thank you for holding this important1163hearing today, as well as thanking the panel for being here.1164Thank you for your sacrifice and service to our Nation.1165    My home district is almost 10,000 miles from Washington,1166DC, so I am just wondering if we have a veteran or two who has1167traveled all the way in from the Pacific Islands. Probably not,1168but I thought I would ask.1169    Mr. Takano. Ah.1170    [Applause.]1171    Mrs. Radewagen. All right, thank you so much.1172    I wanted to say that just a few weeks ago, I traveled by1173car down South and visited eight military installations, and I1174also invited the American Legion to come along. And so we were1175able to visit nine American Legion posts, and I was honored to1176spend time and have little town hall meetings along the way1177with hundreds of veterans. And so I want to thank your1178leadership for helping to put this together. And my special1179thanks to American Legion's Ariel De Jesus for accompanying my1180husband and me on this rather lengthy trip.1181    [Applause.]1182    Commander LaCourseiere, the American Legion supports the1183Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Why is it important to1184provide additional tools to address poor performance and ensure1185that VA is serving all veterans with the highest standards,1186Commander?1187    Mr. LaCoursiere. Thank you for that question, Ms.1188Radewagen. American Legion, once again, we do care about the1189care and well-being of our veterans. I would like to turn this1190back over to Director Cole again.1191    Mr. Lyle. Thank you, Commander, and thank you,1192Congresswoman. I know that Ariel very much enjoyed his trip1193with you through those states, eight military bases.1194    The American Legion has several resolutions in support of1195accountability and efficiency at the Department of Veterans1196Affairs. We believe that the VA should be an agency that is1197accountable for to the veterans that it serves. We know that1198last year the Office of Inspector General produced 100 and some1199odd reports to the tune of about $9.2 billion in monetary1200impact. So we know that it exists. There is efficiencies to be1201made, and we have supported the Accountability Act in the past.1202    Mrs. Radewagen. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the1203balance of my time.1204    Chairman Moran. Thank you, Representative. Senator Tillis1205is recognized.12061207                       HON. THOM TILLIS,1208                U.S. SENATOR FROM NORTH CAROLINA12091210    Senator Tillis. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome to all of1211you and thank you for your service and continuing to serve. I1212think it was Senator Blumenthal that said that real people are1213suffering with real impacts. Did that just start three weeks1214ago in the VA, real people suffering real impacts, or do we1215have unacceptable wait times and fewer options for members who1216are in stress? So, in other words, is this a new phenomenon or1217do we have work to do that predated the transition, Commander?1218    Mr. LaCoursiere. Senator Tillis, thank you very much for1219that question and everything. And I would like to start by just1220saying that any wait time is----1221    Senator Tillis. Unacceptable.1222    Mr. LaCoursiere [continuing]. Unacceptable.1223    Senator Tillis. That was an unfair question because----1224    Mr. LaCoursiere. No, no, no. But we would like to respond1225to that----1226    Senator Tillis. Yes.1227    Mr. LaCoursiere [continuing]. A professional manner from1228the American Legion.1229    Senator Tillis. Well, good. Let me just revise what I am1230particularly interested in. I don't know, and like I said1231yesterday in the DAV hearing, that I am a very boring1232management consultant that is driven by facts. So what I want1233to know is of the terminations that we have seen or the1234separations today, have they been stratified in a way to where1235I know if they are physicians, physical therapists, nurses,1236people on the front line, critical positions, if they are in1237the customer facing organization, I just simply--I am asking1238for that information and if we found some bad separations, I1239will make it known. I am just wondering whether or not you all1240have access to that information yet. And Ms. Mathis, I will1241leave it to you.1242    Ms. Mathis. Thank you, Senator Tillis and thank you1243Commander. We do not have that information in hand right now.1244We have intention to be in close dialogue with the VA, but also1245with the veterans to find out exactly what the issues are and1246to monitor what will be the impacts. It does matter to us.1247    Senator Tillis. I want that as quick, I mean, you have got1248the eyes on the ground, and if there is a personnel separation1249that has had an appreciable impact on serving veterans, then1250call me. I will be the first one to go to the Senate floor and1251say this has to stop. But what I think is unhelpful is when we1252just have this incoming going in every direction, people are1253only talking about the top line political comments that get you1254on TV. They are not talking about trying to measure whether or1255not there are real impacts that we need to worry about, whether1256or not we need to communicate that if there are any further1257reductions in force or realignments, we need to be advised on1258it very, very quickly.1259    So I would really--you all are extraordinary organization.1260I see some familiar faces and friends here at the dais that I1261wish I had more time to speak with. But as we go through this1262transformation, I am holding out the hope that this is all1263about getting the most critical people, the most important1264service levels for veterans improved. There is a thesis here1265that this is somehow, it just seems odd for me to accept just1266on its face that this is all with an intent to degrade1267opportunities for veterans to get a receipt, get another1268payment on a debt we can never repay. Why does anybody think1269that that is politically or operationally sustainable?1270    So to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle that1271want to focus on the top line, that is fine. We are in a1272Committee hearing, there are TVs on and cameras on. But behind1273the scenes, why don't we look and really determine to what1274extent, if any, these reductions are having an appreciable1275impact on the service levels that I believe that every veteran1276deserves. They should be top quartile.1277    And I thank you all. As you get information, make sure you1278report back to me. God bless you all and anybody in and around1279North Carolina out there?1280    Voice. Arff.1281    There you go. Thank you.1282    Chairman Moran. Thank you, Senator. Congressman Conaway,1283you are recognized for 3 minutes.12841285                       HON. HERB CONAWAY,1286              U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM NEW JERSEY12871288    Dr. Conaway. I think I just realized how to recognize1289someone from North Carolina.1290    Thank you Chairman Bost and thank you certainly to the1291American Legion. As a fellow Legionnaire, I am certainly very1292pleased to be with you today.1293    As a doctor, I am troubled and greatly disappointed by the1294actions taken by the VA to terminate nursing assistants, supply1295technicians, schedulers who support doctors in their work and1296their shared work to provide life saving treatment to veterans.1297Without adequate support staff, physicians will be overwhelmed1298with scheduling, paperwork, and other administrative tasks,1299leaving them with less time to care for veterans. And we have1300heard that we have lost a contractor that had great success in1301recruiting much needed physicians into the VA workforce. And of1302course, these terminations go to the very heart of the wait1303times that all of us find so unacceptable.1304    My staff met just yesterday with employees who worked as1305trainers for the many persons who were discharged, terminated1306from the Veterans Crisis Line. Now we know and we have heard1307testimony, written testimony from Commander LaCourseiere that1308we are seeing marked increases in the use of the Veterans1309Crisis Line. Many calls are coming in today and I heard in my1310office just yesterday from local American Legionnaires about1311the 22 men that we are losing, and women, that we are losing1312every day to suicide. So it is particularly concerning to hear1313about and understand that these cuts have taken place.1314    So could you elaborate, Commander, on the implications of1315understaffing the crisis line and what impact do you think1316these cuts are going to have on veterans and family, not only1317in the crisis line, but in these critical service areas that1318support the work that the VA does to provide life saving care?1319    Mr. LaCoursiere. Congressman Conaway, thank you very much1320for that question. As we stated earlier, the American Legion,1321we do care about all of our veterans, but we also care that1322they get the proper care in a timely manner that they deserve,1323and we need to continue the peer-to-peer support and making1324sure that they have the right tools that they need with VA1325health care.1326    We are aimed and focused on reducing veteran suicide. Every1327suicide matters. We care about that. That is why we have our Be1328The One mission. But to give more definition to your question,1329I am going to turn it over to Director Cole. Thank you, sir.1330    Mr. Lyle. Thank you Commander, and thank you Congressman1331for the question. As the Commander stated, suicide is one of1332the American Legion's top priorities with the Be The One1333mission. We at local posts don't hear--we hear often from1334veterans who have been personally affected by this. So it is1335something we are very passionate about.1336    I would say in terms of the Veterans Crisis Line, you know,1337we did hear about the two employees that were fired and then1338reinstated two days later. There have been some concerns about1339how some of the Executive orders work in concert with each1340other. For instance, the hiring freeze, VCL crisis responders1341were exempted, but return to work was not exempted, which will1342make it harder for the VA to hire those folks, and they will1343have to potentially take silent monitors, what are called1344silent monitors, and place them as crisis responders.1345    So there could be a capacity issue. We have not seen1346anything currently and we are working collaboratively, and we1347will communicate with the department and with your Committees1348about this issue going forward.1349    Dr. Conaway. Thank you. And thank you, Mr. Chairman.1350    Chairman Bost [presiding]. Thank you. Senator Hassan, you1351are recognized for 3 minutes.13521353                   HON. MARGARET WOOD HASSAN,1354                U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE13551356    Senator Hassan. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and to our Chairs and1357Ranking Members, I am grateful for this hearing. And Commander1358and all of your colleagues and all of the veterans in the room,1359welcome. I honor my Dad's World War II service and his memory1360by being a member of the Auxiliary. So thank you for welcoming1361me to that as well.1362    [Applause.]1363    And any Granite Staters out there? Anybody from New1364Hampshire? Excellent. Thank you and welcome.1365    And look, I don't have a question about the recent events1366at the VA. I will just say this: First, the administration1367fired the inspector general at the VA. Then they laid off 2,4001368people. Now we are seeing all of these contract cuts that may,1369in fact, impact essential services to veterans. My job is to1370ask why. And my job as a former Governor is to say you don't1371make indiscriminate cuts. You don't churn employees. You don't1372just do categories of cuts willy-nilly. You study. You look at1373ways you can coordinate and streamline services. And you look1374at the impact before you make this kind of layoff and take1375these kinds of actions. And the inspector general, of course,1376is the person who is charged with going after waste, fraud, and1377abuse, and to fire that person right away is really troubling1378to me. So I hope we will have some more transparency, I hope1379the Secretary will come, and I hope he will explain what they1380have done and why he thinks it is good for the VA and, more1381importantly, good for our veterans.1382    Commander, I did want to ask about improving VA facilities.1383I want to start by thanking the American Legion for your1384continued advocacy on behalf of all veterans. In your written1385testimony, you discussed the fact that the VA medical1386facilities are, on average, roughly 60 years old and in need of1387significant repairs. That is something we are very familiar1388with in New Hampshire. The Manchester VA Medical Center is1389almost 75 years old. And twice in the past eight years, pipes1390have burst in the medical center, causing significant damage1391and delay of care for veterans, cancellation of entire1392procedures. I have worked with the VA to help address this1393issue, and I am going to keep doing that. But we all know1394veterans in New Hampshire, veterans around the country deserve1395the best care at the best facilities. They have earned that.1396    So, Commander, can you please discuss the need for robust1397commitment to improving VA's infrastructure and how that will1398benefit veterans?1399    Mr. LaCoursiere. Ms. Hassan, thank you very much for the1400question and the statement as well. The American Legion, we do1401truly care about the conditions of our facilities because that1402affects the well and care being for our veterans as patients1403and everything. And that is the reason the American Legion, we1404have the system we are saving. But to give a more defined1405answer, I would like to turn it back over to Director Cole1406again.1407    Mr. Lyle. Thank you Commander, and thank you Senator for1408the question. Obviously, the infrastructure problem in recent1409years has been exacerbated by community care in the sense that1410more veterans are eligible to receive care in the community1411because the VA can't provide the care in a certain reasonable1412time or distance.1413    Preferably, you know, the VA is a one-stop shop for1414veterans, and VA facilities that are in need of modernization1415should be modernized. I think historically the recent1416administrations have submitted budgets to Congress in the1417neighborhood of $2-3 billion dollars for major and minor1418construction infrastructure projects.1419    Senator Hassan. Yes.1420    Mr. Lyle. And obviously in a budget constrained1421environment, the VA has to make some choices about where that1422occurs. So I think there is definitely room for improvement in1423terms of Congress's commitment to VA infrastructure,1424particularly with codification of access standards.1425    Senator Hassan. Thank you very much. And Mr. Chair, I will1426follow up with the witnesses about some issues with C&P exams1427that I know we are all concerned about. Thank you.1428    Chairman Bost. Thank you. Representative Hamadeh.14291430                       HON. ABE HAMADEH,1431                U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM ARIZONA14321433    Mr. Hamadeh. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And as a member of1434the American Legion Post 107 in Phoenix, Arizona, it is an1435honor to be with all of you here today. And I know you are1436continuing your service by being a voice for so many veterans.1437So thank you all for coming and thank you for all the1438volunteers.1439    Now, Commander, President Trump in his last administration1440championed veterans choice in health care and I know it is a1441top priority in his administration right now. But we continue1442to hear stories about veterans facing long wait times and1443denials for community care. How can the VA ensure bureaucrats1444can't arbitrarily deny veterans their right to seek community1445care?1446    Mr. LaCoursiere. Thank you, Mr. Hamadeh, for that question1447and everything because we do care about the care and well-being1448of our veterans and everything. That is a priority topic for us1449and everything. But for more clarity, I would like to turn it1450over to Director Cole.1451    Mr. Lyle. Thank you. And I am actually going to defer to my1452chairman, Chairman Jay Bowen.1453    Mr. Bowen. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Cole, and thank1454you, sir, for the question. We certainly do care about ensuring1455our veterans get the care that they need, when they need it and1456where they need it. That is priority one for the American1457Legion. If that is through community care, that is good as long1458as we have the VA providing the oversight necessary to ensure1459that the standards are kept.1460    Mr. Hamadeh. And what are you hearing from veterans about1461their ability to access mental health care in their communities1462under the VA's current approval process?1463    Mr. Bowen. We are hearing very good and not so good. It1464just depends on the region of the country and the VA Medical1465Center and the community care area. It is probably like any1466other place and civilian care, too, you can hear very good and1467you can hear very bad. When we hear anything that is not up to1468standards, we certainly investigate, and we work toward getting1469that fixed, working with the VA to get that done.1470    Mr. Hamadeh. Right, but it is, you know, veterans should be1471treated well, no matter if they are from the inner cities or1472from the suburban areas or from rural areas. And I think we1473need to make sure that we have a common standard across the1474country. I know that is a top priority for you all. Thank you,1475Mr. Chairman. I yield back.1476    Chairman Bost. Thank you. Now, I recognize a person that1477formerly was in the House and served on our committee in the1478House but now is in the Senate, and he looks really good in the1479Senate, and my neighbor, Representative Banks or Senator Banks,1480I am sorry.14811482                        HON. JIM BANKS,1483                   U.S. SENATOR FROM INDIANA14841485    Senator Banks. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is an honor to1486be back, and it is an honor to be the first Hoosier to serve on1487the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee in a long time. So I1488spent six years serving with Chairman Bost. Thank you. And I1489want to thank all the Hoosier Legionnaires who are in the room.1490Thank you for coming all the way from Indiana to be a part of1491this hearing. And to all of you, when you come and educate us1492on your priorities, it helps us fight hard to make sure that1493our Nation's heroes get the service that they have earned from1494this country, and your work here today helps us in a big way to1495do that.1496    Mr. Commander LaCourseiere, as you know, Indianapolis is1497going to be hosting the National Veterans Creative Arts1498Festival in May. [Applause.] Presented by the American Legion1499and the VA.1500    This festival is a great opportunity for veterans to1501showcase their work, and these creative projects are an1502important part of many of our veterans rehabilitation. Can you1503tell us more about the event and the value that it provides?1504    Mr. LaCoursiere. Senator Banks, thank you very much for1505that question. The Creative Arts Festival is actually a very1506huge highlight. You know, it brings out the best of the best of1507our veterans. They sit back and they use their creativity in1508various facets, whether artistic painting, playing a piano,1509whatever the case may be. It is another form for them of their1510therapy, their therapy that they must need to decompress and1511deal with mental health in various aspects.1512    Mental health, as we all know, is a very large scope, and1513if they can sit back and find a way to tunnel it in, in their1514way without using drugs or anything along that scope, because1515we sat back. And years back, we sat back, and we medicated our1516veterans. They came home, they seek mental health assistance,1517they would go to the VA, receive a bottle of pills, and be sent1518home. That is not cutting it. We want our veterans to be able1519to think clearly, but we also want them to survive. They can1520help us grow the economy by being on this side of the earth.1521    So, yes, the American Legion's Creative Arts program, to me1522is a very high profile and great program because it is for all1523veterans.1524    Senator Banks. Very well put. Indiana is very proud to host1525this event in May, and we thank the American Legion for1526providing that opportunity for our Nation's veterans. I look1527forward to highlighting it. Thank you for choosing Indianapolis1528as the destination for that event in May.1529    Mr. Chairman, I yield back.1530    Chairman Bost. Thank you, Senator. We now recognize1531Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick for 3 minutes.15321533                HON. SHEILA CHERFILUS-MCCORMICK,1534                U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM FLORIDA15351536    Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am1537going to start by echoing the comments that I made yesterday.1538Any cut that has the potential to hurt just one veteran must be1539taken off the table immediately. Our veterans deserve better1540than to be collateral damage from hasty cost-cutting measures1541such as misguided efforts that not only burden American1542taxpayers with greater expenses but also deprive our brave men1543and women of the services that they rightfully deserve. Let's1544prioritize our veterans and ensure that they receive the1545pride--the support, and the help that they have earned.1546    For example, to take the Veterans Crisis Line, last week it1547was reported that DOGE fired employees who worked the Veterans1548Crisis Line and then subsequently scrambled to rehire them. In1549fact, a large majority of our Veterans Crisis Line workers are1550in fact veterans themselves who have lost their jobs. This, to1551me, is appalling and ridiculous.1552    Mr. LaCourseiere, is firing workers for the Veterans Crisis1553Line in line with your recommendation under the B1 campaign to1554train 100,000 people in suicide prevention?1555    Mr. LaCoursiere. Ms. McCormick, thank you very much for1556that question. Because we do care about our veterans and1557everything, but I also want to not waste your time, to give you1558a clear answer, I am going to turn that over to Director Cole,1559please.1560    Mr. Lyle. Thank you, Commander, and thank you,1561Congresswoman. There has been a lot of changes very quickly in1562the last month. We are encouraged that all critical essential1563personnel have been exempted. And the VA's four agencies have1564assured us that the exemption policy is very liberal. If a1565supervisor at the VA sees one of their personnel in a mission-1566critical position, that they have the ability to go to1567leadership and that position to be exempted.1568    I think VHA is 300,000 so far. VCA has 15 occupations1569dealing with families and maintaining cemeteries. Particularly,1570with the Veterans Crisis Line, it is a critically important1571tool for crisis intervention to attack the veteran suicide1572issue. And we have not heard of any direct impacts to veterans1573based on the personnel actions by the administration. But as we1574mentioned earlier, we are closely monitoring those and we will1575work with this Committee and with the VA to ensure that there1576is no direct harm to veterans.1577    Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick. Now, do you believe we should be1578investing more in growing the actual staff to deal with the1579veterans suicide prevention line and to deal with veterans1580health, mental health?1581    Mr. Lyle. Thank you, Congresswoman. Yes, I think the1582Veterans Crisis Line is an important tool in crisis1583intervention. But I think the broader problem of suicide1584prevention, the point of Be The One is to get non-traditional1585approaches, upstream problems solved before the veteran even1586gets to that crisis point. So I think our efforts are focused1587in Be The One and, more broadly, in government policy to ensure1588that the VA is starting to attack those upstream problems like1589financial stress, relationship stress, housing, transportation,1590things like that, before it gets to the point where they need1591to call the veterans crisis line, or they need to go to the1592emergency room for an emergency mental health appointment.1593    Ms. Mathis. If I may add to that?1594    Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick. Yes.1595    Ms. Mathis. We are also very engaged in growing peer-to-1596peer support. And we are also, the American Legion very much1597supports the Fox Grant Program for these alternative methods,1598community based methods to get veterans who are in crisis or1599perhaps maybe just floundering a little bit get connected with1600other veterans who can help put an arm around them and maybe1601bring them back to a little bit safer ground. We are a big fan1602of the veteran-to-veteran and peer-to-peer support. So whatever1603programs that these Committees can support to do that, we will1604do our best on this side to push that out to the greatest reach1605we can get. Thank you.1606    Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick. Thank you. Well, thank you1607everyone for your service and for being here. And we are1608committed to make sure we are investing in those programs that1609would help all of our veterans. Thank you very much.1610    Chairman Bost. Senator King, you are now recognized for 31611minutes.16121613                    HON. ANGUS S. KING, JR.,1614                    U.S. SENATOR FROM MAINE16151616    Senator King. Thank you. The first thing I want to do is1617thank everyone for being here. The Legion has never had a more1618important moment than this one to defend our veterans, to1619defend the Veterans Administration, to defend the service that1620is being provided to veterans. We need your voice. Yes, it is1621early in this process. We don't know where it is going. We1622don't know how many more firings there will be. You have got to1623let us know what is going on on the ground. That is a very1624important role that you have.1625    And Matthew, I am delighted to see Maine at the table.1626Thank you for being here, sir.1627    Let me put this into a little bit of perspective. We know1628we have had 2,400 firings in the last two weeks, but don't1629forget we had a hiring freeze, and with normal attrition, we1630probably lost another 2,000 people. So we are really talking1631about almost 5,000 people out of the VA service. And it bothers1632me when people talk about bureaucrats. They say we are going to1633protect the doctors, and we are going to protect the direct1634service workers. If nobody is there to answer the phone when a1635veteran calls for an appointment, that is a denial of benefits.1636And so, this idea that bureaucrats aren't important really1637galls me.1638    And the Secretary the other day said, after all these cuts,1639in fact, veterans are going to notice a change for the better.1640It reminds me of the old country song, ``who are you going to1641believe, me or your own lying eyes?'' I want you to tell us1642what is actually happening. The PACT Act backlog is not going1643to be helped by removing people who are in the service of other1644veterans.1645    Now, I do want to talk about transition for a minute. Be1646The One is one of the most important initiatives going on in1647the country right now. Thank you for staffing that, for setting1648it up and for making it actually happen. I have thought----1649    [Applause.]1650    I have a simple formula for transition. I think the Defense1651Department should spend as much money on transition as they do1652on recruitment.1653    [Applause.]1654    And one of the things that we are working on here is1655something called the TAP Promotion Act, which would bring VSOs1656into the process of the transition. We have got to have a warm1657handoff. I think you quoted a number, the bulk, not the bulk,1658but a very large percentage of the suicides are in the first1659year or two after transition. That is a place where we really1660need to give some effort.1661    Commander, tell me about how important you think transition1662is.1663    Mr. LaCoursiere. Mr. King, thank you very much for that1664question. The TAP program is very critical. It is very1665important element in that they get their full 365 days to1666transition and educate themselves on it.1667    As we all know, the more knowledge you have, and it gives a1668much better sense of direction on where to go for what you1669need, but it also serves you in the right direction for gainful1670future employment. You know, as we all know, employment, you1671know, also steers you in the right direction for stability with1672your family and it also helps drive the economy forward.1673    Too often we sit back, and they don't know where to go for1674assistance when they get out of the military. I am not just1675saying that the second you get out of the military, you need1676assistance, but down the road you may need that assistance.1677They need to be forwarded all the tools and resources where1678they go. You know, they will even get a start in their next1679career, you know, as they take off uniform.1680    Senator King. Well, my vision is someone meets you at the1681airport when you come home and says, welcome home. Here is what1682the VA can do for you. Here are the programs. Give me a call if1683you need any help. That is where things like the Be The One1684program can make such a difference.1685    Thank you again for what you are doing. Be our eyes and1686ears. Let us know what is happening out there so we can protect1687and defend the most sacred obligation this government has,1688which is to its veterans. Thank you, Commander.1689    Chairman Bost. Thank you. Dr. Miller-Meeks.16901691                 HON. MARIANNETTE MILLER-MEEKS,1692                 U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM IOWA16931694    Dr. Miller-Meeks. Thank you very much, Chairman Bost, for1695holding this meeting. Thank you to all of our witnesses. As a169624-year military veteran married to a 30-year military veteran1697whose father was Air Force, five of her siblings were either in1698the Army, the Air Force, or the Marines, I thank you all for1699your service and the ability for you all to be here, defend our1700democracy, and allow us to actually have this hearing today on1701what we are doing for our veterans and the debt of gratitude1702that we owe them.1703    Let me just ask a question. Are you all glad the kiosks are1704coming back? It is one of the times when people in Washington,1705DC don't listen to their veterans, plan a program, and then1706find out that it backfires on them because what they thought1707was a good idea really wasn't a good idea for the population1708that we serve. I too, I have heard a lot about them. So we are1709glad that the VA has reconsidered.1710    Ms. Mathis, let me also thank you for mentioning the Fox1711Grant Program. It is a program that the bill that I am1712sponsoring as chair of the Health Subcommittee. One of those1713things that it is very important and your mentioning of the1714peer-to-peer support, and I say this, we have a quad city1715veterans outreach program in Davenport, Iowa. So these are1716veterans serving veterans or, you know, family members of1717veterans serving veterans, who has done a great job in, you1718know, allowing a platform for veterans to come and just talk to1719other veterans. And I thank you for underscoring the importance1720of that.1721    And then Mr. LaCourseiere, you mentioned on suicide1722prevention and how challenging it is. And can you ask or tell1723us, you know, what other things do we need to do in Congress to1724help you all. And did you think it was appropriate? We had a1725Health Subcommittee hearing here and found out that the VA did1726not consider residential mental health care or residential1727substance abuse disorder treatment to fall within the 30-day1728window or 40-mile window of the Mission Act, and so these1729patients were refused. Did you think that is something that1730helps us to deter, you know, suicide and also treat PTSD or1731substance use disorder?1732    Mr. LaCoursiere. Doctor, thank you very much for that1733question. As we did mention earlier, the American Legion, we1734truly do care about every life of a veteran and the care and1735well-being. Suicide is something that we truly take to heart,1736and we are trying to monitor that. But to give a direct answer1737to you, I would like to turn it over to Director Cole.1738    Mr. Lyle. Thank you, Commander. I think in our testimony1739and the American Legion's efforts in Be The One, you know,1740there are several changes. I think the Fox Grant Program is a1741great example of a program that gives resources to local and1742state-level organizations that may not be suicide prevention1743per se, but they help attack those upstream problems, that1744financial assistance that I mentioned earlier. I think programs1745like that. But I also think that, or the American Legion1746thinks, that we should look at suicide prevention just1747differently. Right now the Office of Suicide Prevention is1748housed within the VHA and Mental Health, and the VA says it is1749their number one clinical priority when we know that there are1750a lot of things that the Veterans Benefits Administration that1751directly touch on a veteran's spiral to a crisis point. So1752there are several recommendations that we have. We are happy to1753follow up and work with your office to address this problem.1754    Dr. Miller-Meeks. Thank you very much. I know my time has1755expired, but let me just say I thank all of the VSOs and all of1756you here for being our eyes and ears on the ground, and the1757number of lives you have saved from suicide among our veterans1758is uncounted and unknown. So thank you very much. I yield back.1759    Chairman Bost. Thank you. Dr. Dexter.17601761                      HON. MAXINE DEXTER,1762                U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM OREGON17631764    Dr. Dexter. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Mr. Chairman,1765and to the Ranking Members for convening this important1766hearing. Thank you to our witnesses for being here and for1767continuing to advocate for our veterans. I echo my colleagues1768words of how important it is right now in this moment that we1769hear from you. And just as a physician who served in the VA and1770took care of patients in the VA for years, I am deeply grateful1771for the work that you are continuing to do.1772    Last Congress, thanks to your tireless advocacy, The1773Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and1774Benefits Improvement Act was passed. A major step forward on1775many fronts, including in tackling veteran homelessness. Over1776the past 15 years, federal investments have cut veteran1777homelessness in half, but our work clearly isn't done. Last1778year, nearly 34,000 veterans in the U.S., including more than17791,400 in my home State of Oregon, were still without a home.1780Just last week, I held a roundtable with veterans, VA1781leadership, and advocates in Oregon, and effectively addressing1782houselessness, and mental health are their two top priorities.1783The Dole Act increased per diem rates for transitional housing1784and ensured the VA could provide basic necessities like food,1785transportation, and hygiene products for our unhoused veterans.1786These are essential life-saving provisions, yet Congress has1787failed to fund them.1788    Commander LaCourseiere, can you speak to how impactful it1789would be to fully fund the Dole Act programs for veterans1790experiencing homelessness?1791    Mr. LaCoursiere. Doctor, thank you very much for that1792question and everything. And yes, the American Legion, we are1793ecstatic to see the Dole Act get across the hurdle and1794everything.1795    When it comes to veteran homelessness, we care about1796veteran homelessness as much as we do about veteran suicide.1797But veteran and homelessness are two words that should never1798ever be used in the same sentence. [Applause.] You are talking1799about the troops that protected and served for this country.1800And almost every veteran that ever served this country will1801continue serving the country even after they take the uniform1802off. So, we are trying to do everything we can to help reduce--1803well, let me take that word back, to eliminate veteran1804homelessness.1805    Dr. Dexter. Thank you, sir.1806    Mr. LaCoursiere. And yes, we will do anything we can to1807work with your Committees and work with Congress. And like I1808said in my testimony remarks, we are here to work with1809Congress. Thank you.1810    Dr. Dexter. Thank you so much, Commander. And I couldn't1811agree more. And that is exactly the sentiment I heard back in1812Oregon, that we must end veteran homelessness. So, we have a1813bipartisan majority who are in agreement that these programs1814are necessary. We passed the bill. But we still haven't found1815the impetus and the prioritization successfully to actually1816fund it. And that is unacceptable. We must agree that housing1817is a fundamental right. As you said, no veteran who has served1818this country should ever be at threat of being houseless. So, I1819hope that my colleagues can stand with us to make sure that we1820end this and prioritize our veterans over, potentially,1821taxpayer or tax breaks for millionaires. We have the resources,1822we just need the political will.1823    Thank you. I yield back, Mr. Chair.1824    Chairman Bost. Thank you. We now recognize the Senator from1825Illinois, Senator Duckworth.18261827                     HON. TAMMY DUCKWORTH,1828                   U.S. SENATOR FROM ILLINOIS18291830    Senator Duckworth. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. When my1831colleagues and I passed a PACT Act in 2022, we helped create1832the largest expansion of veterans' benefits in decades. I1833remember when I was State Director of Veterans Affairs and I1834had just been appointed in that position and I had one of the1835pilots that was a Vietnam pilot, Vietnam veteran who was dying1836from Agent Orange related exposure. And I did everything I can1837to try to get him his benefits. This was a man who used to give1838me checkrides and terrified me because the pilots, the Huey1839pilots that got back from Vietnam, they knew what they were1840doing. And they didn't take guff from those young bucks. And he1841used to terrify me, annually, when he would give me my1842checkrides.1843    But I remember trying so hard to get him his benefits and1844he ended up dying before he received his benefits. We were able1845to get benefits to his spouse. But it were not for you, if it1846were not for VSOs fighting for Vietnam veterans, we would never1847have passed the presumptive conditions that then set the stage1848for the PACT Act. So I just want to tell you how critically1849that fight was for over 40 years. And the key to that is that1850with the PACT Act we think we are adding benefits now. We think1851we know what those conditions are now. But I am going to tell1852you that some of these conditions are going to take 20, 30, 401853years to manifest themselves, like they did with Agent Orange1854exposure. It is going to take a while for neurological1855conditions. It is going to take a while for some of this. It1856may be 20, 30 years after exposure before the veterans are1857showing signs of their toxic exposure. So, that is why it is so1858critically important and we get veterans enrolled and get them1859into the system.1860    I remember flying into Baghdad and we two pilots would take1861turns holding our breath because that scuzz layer of polluted1862air above Baghdad was so toxic it would burn my lungs, and we1863would actually, our eyes would water coming in for a landing. I1864remember thinking, man, those poor suckers down there, what are1865they living under. But then I lived in Balad, downwind from the1866burn pits.1867    And so, I am here because you have always been at the1868forefront, forcing this Nation to live up to our promises to1869veterans. But I will tell you that right now, President Trump1870and Elon Musk firing all of these Veterans Affairs employees is1871not helping the case. And I know the Secretary of Veterans1872Affairs came out and said that no vital employees were fired. I1873personally took care of two Veterans Crisis Hotline employees1874who were fired and worked hard to get them reinstated. They1875were fired on Valentine's Day. These are people who were1876answering the phones.1877    And now I just heard another case yesterday of another1878crisis line employee who was fired. This was a supervisor,1879somebody who did a good job and was promoted to help train1880other crisis hotline employees. And because of that, they are1881probationary in that new position. So they were just fired. We1882cannot let that happen.1883    Mr. LaCourseiere. Did I say that correctly? Commander. That1884is way better [laughter]. Commander, in your assessment how1885would the firing of so many employees from the VA affect your1886members?1887    Mr. LaCoursiere. Senator Duckworth, thank you very much for1888that question and the details you just laid out before us. I1889would like to turn this over to our Director, Cole.1890    Senator Duckworth. Sure. Of course.1891    Mr. Lyle. Thank you, Commander. And thank you, Senator,1892good to see you again.1893    Senator Duckworth. Yes.1894    Mr. Lyle. I think there has been a lot happening recently.1895I think every few days we are learning about something new and1896trying to determine how it will potentially impact veterans and1897have any negative impact, so that we can assist this Committee1898and the VA in mitigating those impacts to veterans,1899specifically with the Veterans Crisis Line or other critical1900mission essential to make sure the veterans are getting the1901care they need when they need it.1902    We were encouraged about the number of exemptions that the1903VA announced for the VHA, the VBA, and the Board of Veteran1904Appeals. We have also been told by career officials at the VA,1905not politicals, that they were happy with what they called a1906liberal exemption policy. And we will continue to work with you1907and Legionnaires on the ground to identify those potential1908impacts and bring them to you and the VA as soon as possible.1909    Senator Duckworth. I would appreciate that. And I would ask1910all of your members, if you know of cases, to bring them to me.1911Because as I said, I have personally been involved in at least1912three, and I have the receipts, because I have the letters that1913they received, and these are people answering the phones when a1914veteran calls. That Crisis Hotline has a 9 second response rate1915and that is critically important.1916    And Commander LaCourseiere, what I actually say about1917homeless veterans is anytime a veteran has laid down his head1918on the streets that he has defended, we are all dishonored.1919Thank you for your assignment.1920    I yield back, Mr. Chairman.1921    Chairman Bost. Congressman McGarvey, you are recognized for19223 minutes.19231924                     HON. MORGAN MCGARVEY,1925               U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM KENTUCKY19261927    Mr. McGarvey. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank you1928all for being here today. We are seeing drastic massive cuts1929right now at the VA. 1400 people fired this week. The VFW has1930spoken out against. Policymakers have spoken out against it.1931Our veterans are speaking out against it. Because of the feared1932impact that it is having on services we must be providing the1933men and women who served us.1934    Just last night I had a telephone town hall. A gentleman1935named Alan called in, served in the Army. He was at the VA1936getting health care. And one of the things he told me about, he1937said the people here are scared. Morale is down. They don't1938know if they are going to have their jobs. We made a promise to1939take care of our veterans. We have to fulfill that promise. I1940want to make sure we do. We will not back down on this1941Committee.1942    I want to ask you guys a few questions related to the1943workforce of the VA. Commander, do you have numbers on how many1944veterans work in the VA?1945    Mr. LaCoursiere. Mr. McGarvey, thank you very much for that1946question. I want to turn--I believe it is approximately 400,0001947but I want to turn that over--I want you to have the honest1948answer. I will turn it over to Director Cole.1949    Mr. McGarvey. Thank you.1950    Mr. Lyle. Thank you, Commander and thank you, sir. I don't1951have a specific exact number that I can give you right now, but1952I believe it is in the neighborhood of 360,000.1953    Mr. McGarvey. Amazing. And do you know what percentage that1954is of VA's workforce?1955    Mr. Lyle. VA's total workforce is 469,000 employees. That1956has increased from, I believe, about 49,000 in FY01, so a1957significant increase.1958    Mr. McGarvey. So, a huge percentage of veterans working at1959the VA?1960    Mr. Lyle. Yep.1961    Mr. McGarvey. We have not been able to track down a solid1962number for how many veterans have lost their jobs in these mass1963firings. Do you guys have that number?1964    Mr. Lyle. We do not, sir.1965    Mr. McGarvey. Okay. How many military spouses have lost1966their jobs in these firings? We haven't been able to track that1967down either.1968    Mr. Lyle. No, sir.1969    Mr. McGarvey. Right. And part of the reason we don't know1970this is because of how this was done. There was no impact1971analysis done before they laid off all these people. No impact1972of how impact our service members currently, with their1973military spouses, our veterans and the people we are supposed1974to serve.1975    We have got 30 seconds left. I told you about what I am1976hearing from our veterans in Louisville, Kentucky. What are you1977all hearing from your members about the impact this is going to1978have?1979    Mr. Lyle. Thank you, sir. I will just go ahead and follow1980up. I think the lack of clarity, which we did discuss with the1981Secretary in our meeting yesterday, and with VA officials on1982Monday, from all four administrations, that we would, we need1983more clarity on who specifically is being impacted, and we1984encourage them to proactively message with us, the Committees,1985and veterans in the country, about those impacts. But as of1986now, we don't have that information.1987    Mr. McGarvey. That was a very nice way to say that we are1988afraid this might be screwing our veterans. Let us know, we are1989going to keep that from happening. Mr. Chairman, I yield back.1990    Senator King. Congressman, we had five--seven people fired1991at our Veterans Hospital in Maine yesterday. Five of the seven1992were veterans. So, be clear. When you hear a thousand people1993laid off, three or four hundred of those are veterans.1994    Chairman Bost. Representative Morrison.19951996                      HON. KELLY MORRISON,1997               U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM MINNESOTA19981999    Dr. Morrison. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I began my remarks2000yesterday by expressing my grave concern about the ongoing2001assault on the civil service of VA employees. Shortly after2002yesterday's hearing I learned that these mass firings hit2003Minneapolis VA, which serves over 100,000 veterans in the Twin2004Cities and surrounding areas. We are talking about public2005servants with records of strong job performance, many of whom2006are vets themselves, who now find themselves out of a job, all2007without notice or cause. Many of the VA employees who were just2008laid off in Minneapolis are veterans themselves, men and women2009who made the honorable decision to serve their fellow vets even2010after they completed their own military service. I find it hard2011to believe that these mass firings won't affect the care and2012services that our veterans have earned.2013    Commander, I am grateful to you and your fellow2014Legionnaires for being here today. I was honored to meet with a2015strong delegation from Minnesota yesterday. I am grateful to2016them for traveling on this way to the Halls of Congress. I want2017to thank you for sharing your stories and your advocacy on2018behalf of your fellow veterans. Last year, Hennepin County,2019which is Minnesota's largest county by population, achieved2020functional zero status for veterans' homelessness. I am2021incredibly proud of my home community for making such2022significant strides. [Applause.] Thank you. That does deserve a2023round of applause. I am really proud of my home community for2024making such significant strides and caring for our veterans.2025And it gives me hope that Minnesota can be a model for the2026whole country in the fight to end veteran homelessness.2027    Commander, I am wondering how federal investments in2028housing and other wraparound services will help to fight the2029veteran homelessness crisis?2030    Mr. LaCoursiere. Dr. Morrison, thank you very much for that2031question. Increasing the number of HUD-VASH vouchers that are2032made available and working with the SSVF, that alone can impact2033and reduce our veteran homelessness, and also give them the2034peace of mind that the government is actually working with2035them. What I found, I myself, I am going to share a personal,2036very quick, and I will make it quick. Outside of the American2037Legion, I am currently on years leave of absence, but when I2038return back to Connecticut after my year, I go back to working2039for the Soldiers', Sailors', and Marines' Fund, which is a fund2040that the American Legion handles for the State of Connecticut,2041which is temporary financial assistance.2042    And what we find out, traditionally, toward the latter part2043of the year in the fall time, which is a critical time of the2044year, now we are starting to fall short on the availability of2045the HUD-VASH vouchers and everything.2046    So, in my opinion, to answer your questions directly, if2047there is a way we can increase, maybe based on veteran2048population, you know, on the states and everything.2049    Dr. Morrison. Thank you, that is helpful. Just really2050quickly, I was excited to see in your testimony you made2051reference to the outstanding work happening at VA Vets Centers.2052As you know, they provide a variety of counseling and2053transitional services, but in a more relaxed, less clinical2054environment. There is a Vet Center in my district in Anoka,2055Minnesota and I hope that we can expand these services across2056our entire state. Can you share, just briefly, your perspective2057about why Vet Centers' community-based approach to support2058services is so successful?2059    Mr. LaCoursiere. Again, Dr. Morrison, thank you very much2060for that question. Right away, I am going to turn that over to2061our Chairman of Veterans Department of Education, Matt Jabaut.2062    Mr. Jabaut. Sorry, could you repeat the question?2063    Dr. Morrison. Of course. Just how the importance of Vet2064Centers and why their community-based approach to support2065services is so successful?2066    Mr. LaCoursiere. I am sorry about that, Dr. Morrison, my2067mistake. I was looking at the wrong chairman. I am going to2068turn that over to our Chairman, Jay Bowen.2069    Mr. Bowen. Thank you, Commander. And thank you, ma'am, for2070the question. We do appreciate it. As you stated, the Vet2071Centers are critical to veterans' care because they do operate2072in a more relaxed environment. And once you put the veteran in2073a relaxed environment, they are more apt and more likely to2074then open up and talk about the issues that they have. And once2075they talk about the issues and it gets out on the table, then2076we can identify a fix.2077    Dr. Morrison. Thank you so much. Before I finish, I just2078want to say, as the wife of an Army combat veteran and a proud2079American, I want to thank every one of you in this room for2080your service.2081    [Applause.]2082    Chairman Bost. So, I will apologize that I had to leave at2083the beginning. I normally ask questions first. But we didn't2084save the best for last, but I am going to be the one to ask the2085last questions, if that is all right.2086    [Laughter.]2087    Commander, look, you know, I am very grateful for the2088American Legion's past support of my bill, H.R. 1041. Now, that2089is the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act. Is the2090legislation something that the American Legion will continue to2091support?2092    Mr. LaCoursiere. Chairman Bost, thank you very much for2093that question. The American Legion, we have and we always will2094stand by the Constitution of the United States of America.2095    [Applause.]2096    Chairman Bost. Thank you for that. So, one other bill I2097have got out there is H.R. 740, the Veterans' ACCESS Act of20982025, which expands access to community care. Can you explain2099why the veterans need access to community care?2100    Mr. LaCoursiere. Chairman Bost, I am going to turn that2101question over to Director Cole.2102    Mr. Lyle. Thank you, Commander and thank you, Mr. Chairman.2103I think over the years since the Phoenix wait list scandal in21042014, and then the passage of the Veterans Choice Act, and the2105passage of the MISSION Act, community care has expanded because2106more veterans have become eligible under the regulatory2107guidance to be able to get an appointment within a certain time2108or distance. In a lot of areas, the VA is unable to provide2109that care in-house. We have seen credible evidence of VA2110administrators at the VISN and the VAMC level basically2111disregard some of those access standards, and canceling2112appointments or canceling existing referrals, shortening the2113timeline of authorization. So the ACCESS Act, the codification2114of access standards, would take the VA's ability to do that2115out, if the veteran and their provider decide it is in their2116best medical interest to go seek care in the community. So2117that, number one. But number two, the very important provision2118is oftentimes we hear from veterans across the country that,2119you know, they are happy with the care that they get at VA,2120they are happy with the quality, they are happy with the care2121they get at their community provider. They are frustrated with2122the referral process, and the scheduling process, and the2123hurdles they have to overcome, and the communication between2124those community providers. So, the second important provision2125in that bill would seek to streamline the scheduling process,2126which is why we reviewed it and supported it.2127    Chairman Bost. Thank you. Thank you. Real quickly,2128Commander, before my time runs out here and we do go to our2129closing, I just want to let you know that I know you brought up2130the TAP programs. Remember, I am a veteran that left the Marine2131Corps in 1983. Back then, we did get a TAP. It was a tap from2132the colonel saying, hey, nice to see you, thank you for your2133service [laughter]. But we are on our Committee wanting to work2134very closely with HASC, with the--because it is under DoD's2135control, the scheduling, but we need to get that coordinated.2136And the sad thing is, is that like a VA, if you have seen one2137TAP program, you have seen one TAP program. They need to be2138uniform. We need to be able to get the information to our2139veterans so as they separate that they know what is available2140to them for every issue, but mostly so that they know what2141mental health issues are available to them so that we don't2142lose them in being part of that. Whether it is 17 or 21 or2143whatever that number is, one is too many with veteran suicide.2144So we make that commitment. We will be working on that with2145you.2146    [Applause.]2147    So with that, I now want to recognize the Ranking Member,2148Mr. Takano, for his closing statement.2149    Mr. Takano. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Regarding the ACCESS2150Act, I just want to say that it does nothing to enhance the2151shortage and understaffing at the community care coordination2152offices among the many, many VMACs across the country. And part2153of the bottleneck with the referral process is the2154understaffing of those offices. And I don't know that they were2155exempt from the firing or the freeze that your organization2156inquired about with senior career officials. What I am troubled2157by is the acceptance from these career officials, these career2158officials, about the whole policy. Was the question asked, was2159there an analysis performed not only about the impact about the2160necessity for these firings? What was the purpose of these2161firings? Waste, fraud, and abuse is bandied about as a2162justification, but where is the justification prior to these2163firings? It seems to me they occurred willy-nilly and2164indiscriminately. And the evidence is in the many, many people,2165many veterans that have answered our survey about, and VA2166employees generally who have replied to our survey. And I would2167urge that a similar survey be done by your own organization2168about the veterans who have been fired. I would assert that2169there is no credible justification. Waste, fraud, and abuse is2170just an excuse that has been put out there. In fact, the very2171people who are responsible for waste, fraud, and abuse2172investigations were the first people fired by this2173administration. They fired the Inspector General who has held2174tough investigations against both Republican and Democratic2175inspector generals. I have just reviewed some reports from the2176inspector general on President Biden that were not--President2177Biden's VA Secretary that were not very flattering. So, it is2178not credible to me that waste, fraud, and abuse motivated these2179mass firings at VA.2180    Now, Mr. Chairman, before we just--before I end, I wanted2181to say I would like to share something. Yesterday and today you2182have accused my Democratic colleagues and me of fear mongering2183and you say that we are not aware--that you are not aware of2184any direct effects on patient care due to VA's reckless firing2185of 2400 employees and counting. Well, you have repeatedly2186invited folks to share examples with you, so I would like to2187share one with you now.2188    On Monday, two clinicians who performed mental health2189intake at the Cleveland VA Medical Center were dismissed. This2190is already wreaking havoc on patient care and patient safety at2191that facility. Additionally, prosthetics and supply chain staff2192have been fired. This directly affects patient care because2193these employees play a critical role in procuring the medical2194devices veterans need and equipping surgical suites with2195necessary supplies. I met with this particular employee, fired2196employee yesterday. They were in attendance at the hearing. And2197they also indicated that it could mean that veterans who need2198prosthetics could be--the supply for them could be delayed.2199    Now, this is a very urgent matter and I don't think we can2200sit around and pretend to believe senior officials who are2201under duress by the senior leadership who tell you, oh, they2202are comfortable with the exemptions and that should be accepted2203at face value. There is prima facie evidence I am presenting to2204you now that you should face that with skepticism.2205    I will not stop talking about these mass firings until I2206get answers. Until I get answers. And so far, there are no2207answers. And everything that Senator Tillis brought up, the2208information is not forthcoming. It is not forthcoming.2209    Mr. Chairman, will you commit to us that we get from VA the2210details of these firings to ensure, as you have repeatedly2211claimed, that these firings will not affect patient care?2212Because my staff and I are already hearing about such2213instances. And I hope that we will have a hearing about these2214firings, specifically.2215    Chairman Bost. We will take it under advisement. Let me----2216    Mr. Takano. I don't hear a commitment.2217    Chairman Bost. I will take it under advisement. I have2218actually been meeting with the Secretary. Know what the2219conversations have been. Also know that each person has been2220let go, in their letter, it says that they can appeal to their2221supervisor immediately to find out if that there are--and then2222I would ask those who have come before you. I mean, you have2223all stuck on your talking points very, very, very well, and I2224appreciate that. But that being said, to say there is not2225waste, fraud, and abuse in the Agency----2226    Senator King. I don't do talking points Mr. Chairman. That2227is an insult. Finish saying what I said.2228    Chairman Bost. Well, I apologize if you feel it is an2229insult, Senator, because I am going to tell you something. I2230have listened to it over and over again. We are 20 days into--2231we are one month into this administration that sent a clear2232message to try to cure the problems that exist in government2233today. Even the former administration admitted that they over-2234hired after COVID. Now, we need to make sure that we are2235streamlining, doing the job that is necessary. And we do have2236the commitment from the Secretary that no one's services are2237going to be lost. You as VSOs, please come forward to me and2238tell me if those are done. You obviously mentioned that you met2239with the Secretary yesterday. As this goes on, we are one month2240into this. I appreciate that you have an opportunity to argue2241the political point. I am telling you that I will stand for2242veterans like I always have. I will continue to stand for2243veterans. I have always stood for veterans.2244    Mr. Takano. Mr. Chairman, I do not hear you. I do not hear2245you saying you will commit to----2246    Chairman Bost. And I have just told you we will take it2247under advisement, Mr. Ranking Member.2248    Mr. Takano. You will take it under advisement. Will we not2249hold a hearing on 14,000, 2400 people who were fired?2250    Chairman Bost. We are one month into this and I don't know2251which things to admit to because as of yet, we are still2252studying it ourselves. And so, with that, I will tell you that2253I will take it under advisement and my position as Chair, I2254will do that. You don't need to tell me how to take my position2255as Chair. I didn't do that when you were Chair. And I don't2256appreciate it in front of this group, you doing it now.2257    So, let me explain this to you. It is amazing to me that2258during this time you are bringing up this, but when we had2259sexual situations occurring in our VA where they were running a2260sex room, you said nothing about firing those. When we had2261superintendent----2262    Mr. Takano. Mr. Chairman.2263    Chairman Bost.--When we had----2264    Mr. Takano. Mr. Chairman.2265    Chairman Bost. No. Now, I am going now, thank you.2266    Mr. Takano. Mr. Chairman, you held a hearing. I advised you2267to allow the internal investigations to proceed with the2268internal, with the internal----2269    Chairman Bost. We----2270    Mr. Takano [continuing]. With the Inspector General.2271    Chairman Bost. We have one other that we did a hearing on.2272    Mr. Takano. I did not subpoena----2273    Chairman Bost. And you did not bring up.2274    Mr. Takano. I did not subpoena one single official when I2275was Chairman, when, when President Trump was a President, you2276issued several subpoenas.2277    Chairman Bost. You are doggone right I did, because the2278people need to know.2279    Mr. Takano. Well, I think the people need to understand why22802400----2281    Chairman Bost. And its administration----2282    Mr. Takano [continuing]. Individuals who were fired, 24,0002283people were fired.2284    Chairman Bost.--And this administration has been answering2285those questions----2286    Mr. Takano. They have----2287    Chairman Bost.--Not only----2288    Mr. Takano. They have not provided a single bit of2289information about why----2290    Chairman Bost. There has been.2291    Mr. Takano [continuing]. They were fired. Why the2292justification----2293    Chairman Bost. And when you put up the, when you put up the2294letter yesterday, you put half the letter up. You did not put2295the response, where the opportunity for the employee to do the2296appeals process. So I understand that you are concerned. I am2297glad that you have got the platform. You are doing a great job2298of grabbing hold of that platform. My job is to make sure our2299veterans are taken care of, as it is yours. And we are going to2300do that.2301    Mr. Takano. Well, please hold a hearing. That is all I am2302asking you to do.2303    Chairman Bost. I understand that. With that, welcome to the2304VA Committee that is so bipartisan [laughter]. Look, I want to2305thank the American Legion and all the witnesses for being here2306today. We share your values. And I want to thank the audience2307members for coming in from every corner of this United States2308to be here today. Let me tell you for purposes when this panel2309is excused, if you would, because we know this room so well,2310all right. If you could go out that door while we are bringing2311the new panel in because it just kind of helps the flow.2312    Commander, I do want to say thank you. I do want to say to2313thank you to each one of you and all my other, all thank you2314legionnaires, and I thank you that I am part of your2315organization. It has been a pleasure to serve you and will be2316continued to serve you, and we will work through any of the2317issues as they come forward. Thank you so much. You are2318excused.2319    [Applause.]2320    [Recess.]2321    Chairman Bost. Take your seats. We would like to welcome2322the second panel and thank you for being here. We have a lot of2323important organizations to hear from on this panel, so let us2324get right to it. Today we are joined by Major Gary Ginsburg of2325the Jewish War Veterans, Lindsay Church of the Minority2326Veterans of America, Mr. Michael McLaughlin of the National2327Association of County Veterans Service Officers, Commander Rene2328Campos of the Military Officers Association of America, Mr.2329Timothy Sheppard of the National Association of the State2330Directors of Veterans Affairs, Mr. Raymond Toenniessen of2331D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families,2332Syracuse University, and Lieutenant General Walter Piatt of2333Wounded Warrior Project. Again, welcome to all of you and also2334to the members of the audience.2335    So let us get started. Sergeant Major Ginsburg, you are now2336recognized for 5 minutes for your opening statement.23372338                            PANEL II23392340                              ----------23412342            STATEMENT OF GARY GINSBURG, (USA-RET.),2343       NATIONAL COMMANDER, JEWISH WAR VETERANS OF THE USA23442345    Mr. Ginsburg. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman Moran,2346Chairman Bost, Ranking Members Blumenthal and Takano, Members2347of the House and Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and my2348fellow veterans, ladies and gentlemen, I am Gary Ginsberg,2349United States Army Reserve Command Sergeant Major. In the 93rd2350National Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the United2351States, our mission is clear, to support America's 17 million2352veterans and family members, regardless of race, religion, or2353gender. We have a Jewish War Veterans organization because2354quite frankly, we might be the only veterans' organization2355whose loyalty to this country is sometimes questioned. We2356remain opposed to hatred, bigotry, and antisemitism, wherever2357the source, whomever the target.2358    Our leadership was pleased to meet with the Chairman last2359year and some issues are still being addressed. We urge the2360Committee to help slay the dragon of hatred, bigotry, and2361antisemitism with executive branch oversight, with a little bit2362of education, training and prevention.2363    Recently, I have become aware of another issue affecting2364veterans. The JWV is concerned about food insecurity amongst2365American veterans. Research shows that about 8 percent of our2366veterans right now, over 1 million persons, are food insecure.2367We urge Congress to look at this and exercise appropriate2368oversight. We also recognize that right now veterans are facing2369challenges with employment this year. Veterans are an asset to2370our Nation and serve in many capacities, often inspiring the2371next generation of young men and women to step forward and wear2372the cloth of our Nation.2373    We are concerned about some of the cutbacks in staffing,2374although we know it is still early in the administration. We2375think that some of this is very hasty. We think that cutbacks2376should be more precise and quite frankly, maybe the train needs2377to slow down just a little bit. We encourage, again,2378congressional oversight with respect to this situation because2379veterans are about 30 percent of the VA and some of the2380veterans are being affected with the staffing cutbacks. The2381JWV, the Jewish War Veterans, we have long supported the Major2382Richard Star Act and we urge swift passage because now is the2383time. Now is the time to address the unfair pay offset facing2384almost 45,000 combat-injured veterans to receive their2385appropriate DoD retirement pay and VA disability compensation.2386    We also are concerned about veteran suicide in the current2387trends. We know about 20 or 22 veterans a day commit suicide,2388but in fact veterans are roughly 6 percent of our Nation. They2389comprise approximately 15 percent of the suicide cases in2390recent years.2391    Recently we have learned about a new bill introduced into2392the current session of the House, H.R. 439. While we are still2393reviewing the details, it is entitled the Veterans Foreign2394Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2025. The2395JWV, the Jewish War Veterans, urges the Committee to review2396this legislation quickly and take appropriate action concerning2397our service-connected disability veterans who reside overseas.2398We probably have American citizens who reside in virtually 242399time zones around the world, and I know we have many veterans2400that reside overseas. We have some of our own members, for2401example, that reside in Israel, and we want to see them receive2402the appropriate support as they served honorably in defense of2403this Nation.2404    The JWB is also concerned about women veterans and some of2405the unique situations there. They are the fastest growing group2406of veterans in the VA system. We support addressing some of the2407specialized health care with respect to our women veterans,2408whether it has increasing cancer screenings, improving mental2409health, accessing infertility assistance, and of course,2410reducing intimate partner violence. We urge the VA to fully2411implement all portions of the Deborah Sampson Act.2412    As I get to my concluding remarks, I am reminded, in 1945,2413following the battle of Iwo Jima, a Navy chaplain, Roland2414Gittelsohn, offered a statement during the memorial service for2415the Marines that fell at Iwo Jima. That bipartisan spirit is2416necessary today.2417    I also urge the Committee going forward, every decision you2418make, please consider it as if it was your own son or daughter,2419family member, or best friend. At this time, I thank you for2420the opportunity to testify before the Joint Committee of the2421House and the Senate. I thank you very much. And that concludes2422my comments. I look forward to any questions.24232424    [The prepared statement of Mr. Ginsburg appears on page 822425of the Appendix.]24262427    Chairman Bost. Thank you, Sergeant Major. I would now like2428to recognize Lindsay Church for her 5 minutes for opening2429statement.2430    [Microphone off.]2431    Ms. Church [turns microphone on]. Sorry.2432    Chairman Bost. Microphone. There you go.24332434STATEMENT OF LINDSAY CHURCH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER,2435                  MINORITY VETERANS OF AMERICA24362437    Ms. Church. I am still learning. Chairman Moran and Bost,2438Ranking Members Blumenthal and Takano, and Members of the2439Committees. I sit before you today as the voice of millions.2440Millions of veterans who have served this country with honor,2441only to be met with indifference, discrimination, and systemic2442barriers when they hung up their uniforms. Veterans who,2443despite their sacrifice, find themselves battling for the most2444basic of rights, health care that meets their needs, a roof2445over their heads, and the dignity to live free from political2446attacks on their very existence. I also sit before you as a2447third generation Navy veteran and a proud transgender American.2448My family has dedicated their lives to service in and out of2449uniform. I brought them with me today in the form of dog tags.2450We have fought across generations for an America that is barely2451recognizable. The state of veterans' services in this country2452is imperiled. We are watching the gutting of the Department of2453Veterans Affairs, an institution that is supposed to be the2454backbone of veteran care. Thousands of VA employees, many of2455them veterans themselves, have been indiscriminately fired2456overnight, jeopardizing the quality and accessibility of care2457for millions. Veterans are being turned into collateral damage2458in a war of political posturing. This is not governance. This2459is negligence at best, willful cruelty at worst. Our community2460is under attack. Minority veterans, those who are Black,2461indigenous, veterans of color, women, LGBTQIA, religious2462minorities, immigrants, disabled, are being told through policy2463and practice that our service, our sacrifices, and our lives do2464not matter.2465    Executive orders and legislation are being wielded as2466weapons to strip away our rights. Critical health care is being2467gutted. Gender affirming care, reproductive health services,2468and mental health support are being dismantled under the guise2469of government efficiency. And let us not pretend this is about2470efficiency. This is about erasure. We refuse to be erased.2471    [Applause.]2472    Minority veterans have fought and sacrificed for this2473country, often serving in times when we were denied full rights2474and recognition. It is our Nation's duty to uphold their rights2475and ensure we have access to health care, benefits, housing,2476employment opportunities, and protections against2477discrimination. Gutting the very institutions designed to2478support veterans will only widen existing disparities and push2479more people into crisis.2480    So, today I asked the Committee, will you continue to allow2481veterans to be used as pawns in a game we never signed up to2482play? Or will you fight for us the way we fought for this2483country? We are not here to beg. We are here because the stakes2484are life and death. We are calling on Congress to act boldly2485and decisively. Reinstate VA staff and protect its workforce.2486Stop the rollback of critical health care services. Ensure that2487every veteran, regardless of their identity, has a safe place2488to call home. Fund programs that actually prevent suicide2489rather than just offering lip service while cutting the very2490services that save our lives.2491    All veterans swore an oath to the Constitution of this2492great Nation. And in return, this Nation made a promise to its2493veterans. That promise doesn't come with an asterisk. It does2494not come with conditions, and it does not disappear when it2495becomes inconvenient. We are here to make sure you keep it.2496Thank you.2497    [Applause.]24982499    [The prepared statement of Ms. Church appears on page 98 of2500the Appendix.]25012502    Chairman Bost. Thank you. Thank you. We would now like to2503recognize Mr. McLaughlin for 5 minutes for your opening2504statement.25052506STATEMENT OF MICHAEL MCLAUGHLIN, LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL2507        ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICERS25082509    Mr. McLaughlin. Thank you. Chairman Bost, Moran, Ranking2510Members Takano and Blumenthal, and distinguished Members of the2511Committee. On behalf of the National Association of County2512Veterans Service Officers, or NACVSO, I extend our deepest2513gratitude for the opportunity to address this session. As you2514are aware, NACVSO is a unique organization in that all of our2515leadership work as accredited VA representatives, advocating2516for veterans and their dependents in their local communities.2517We comprise the VA's biggest local partner resource as2518Governmental Veteran Service Officers, or GVSOs, that helps2519ensure as a Nation we continue to care for those who have2520served. We understand the veterans experience as well as how to2521better support the VA. Furthermore, our members are often the2522first point of contact for your very own congressional offices2523as you assist your veteran constituents. It is through this2524lens that I offer this testimony in hopes that together we may2525better support our Nation's veterans.2526    NACVSO wishes to express our gratitude for the passage of2527The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and2528Benefits Improvement Act. This legislation includes several2529provisions aimed at improving services for veterans and their2530families. Notably, Section 302, the Commitment to Veteran2531Support and Outreach Act, or CVSO Act marks a historic first2532step in providing funding for local GVSOs. This acknowledges2533what NACVSO has long known, that delivering veteran services is2534most effective when it collaborates with experts at the local2535community level.2536    While we appreciate this progress, funding alone isn't2537enough. Stronger partnerships between the VA and local2538advocates remains essential. One immediate step would be to2539ensure that the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2024,2540Section 4, is completed expeditiously. This report can serve as2541a roadmap for transforming veteran services into a combined2542arms effort by mobilizing all levels of government to meet the2543needs of veterans efficiently and effectively.2544    As VA accredited representatives, our members work2545tirelessly to help veterans submit the best claims possible.2546However, there have been growing concerns about the over2547development of disability claims, an issue that delays2548decisions and wastes taxpayer dollars through the unnecessary2549scheduling of disability exams. We appreciate that VA2550leadership has engaged with stakeholders on this. We recognize2551that these challenges stem from many complex issues and is not2552intentionally done by VA. We encourage this body to amend how2553VA is required to implement Toxic Exposure Risk Activities or2554TERA exams. For example, by ensuring that when a veteran has a2555confirmed TERA, it does not automatically trigger an2556unnecessary TERA examination while other forms of service-2557connection are obvious. VA can reduce expenses while also2558streamlining a favorable outcome for the veteran.2559    Similarly, we urge greater adherence to the Fully Developed2560Claim or FDC process which is designed to improve efficiency2561and reduce the number of exams. NACVSO stands ready to work2562with VA and this body to improve TERA and restore the FDC2563process to ensure that claims and decisions are timely,2564accurate, and fiscally responsible.2565    While it is not immediately an issue before this body,2566NACVSO would like to publicly oppose any future policy or2567legislation that would seek to means test a VA disability. A2568veteran service-connected is not tied exclusively to economic2569impediments, but also considers social and familial2570impairments. I am a veteran and the proud son of a Vietnam2571veteran who was severely wounded during the Tet Offensive.2572Those wounds led to the amputation of his leg. With prosthetics2573provided by the VA, my father was able to find and secure2574employment, all while waging daily battles to prepare himself2575physically and mentally for work each day. An economic means2576test would have penalized him for his decision to seek2577employment. My father and many other veterans paid the price2578for their country every day, and this price continues. What2579cost can we assign to my father's inability to teach his2580daughter how to swim or ride a bike? Can we name the price for2581his 6-year-old son knowing what phantom pains are for a leg2582that no longer exists?2583    In addition to incentivizing veterans to seek vocational2584rehabilitation, any policy intending to means test these2585disabilities disregards the true price that veterans and their2586families have paid, a price they will pay for the rest of their2587lives. Such means testing would break our country's sacred2588promise and shatter President Lincoln's commitment to care for2589him who shall have borne the battle, his widow, or his orphan,2590which is why NACVSO stands firmly against any such future2591proposals.2592    Lastly, NACVSO asks this body to continue working alongside2593VA to prevent and hold accountable claims consultants who2594continue for-profit representation of initial VA claims. We2595believe that no person who has taken the oath of service to2596this country should ever have to leverage their earned benefits2597to simply gain access to those benefits. As such, we humbly2598implore this body to look at every means possible to provide2599agency reform and increased support for pro bono access to2600these services.2601    Chairman, Ranking Members, and Members of the Committees on2602behalf of NACVSO, thank you for your attention to these2603matters. I look forward to our continued work together to2604better serve our Nation's veterans and their families.2605    [Applause.]26062607    [The prepared statement of Mr. McLaughlin appears on page2608119 of the Appendix.]26092610    Chairman Bost. Thank you, Mr. McLaughlin. Now, I would like2611to recognize Commander Campos for 5 minutes for her opening2612statement.26132614 STATEMENT OF CDR RENE A. CAMPOS, (USN-RET.), SENIOR DIRECTOR,2615 GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA26162617    Ms. Campos. Chairman Bost, House and Senate Veterans'2618Affairs Committees, I invite MOAA members here and our staff2619today to stand. They represent over 350,000 members whose2620voices strengthen our advocacy. We thank you for the2621opportunity to share our veteran priorities.2622    [Applause.]2623    Let me begin by commending your work last year in the Dole2624Act. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and2625bipartisan support in achieving meaningful reforms. Yet much2626remains to strengthen support to veterans. Here is a short list2627of MOAA's priorities. For veterans' health care it is2628supporting veteran caregivers by passing the Veteran Caregiver2629Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act. Just as veterans2630answered the call to serve their Nation, their caregivers also2631answered the call to step up and serve them. These caregivers2632sacrificed their own futures, giving up financial security,2633career advancement, and personal well-being to care for our2634Nation's heroes. Yet when caregiving ends, whether it is due to2635ineligibility to veterans' services or the passing of their2636loved one, many are left struggling to rebuild their lives. For2637example, one son cared for his Vietnam father for a decade.2638When the role ended, he faced difficulty re-entering the2639workforce due to outdated skills and employment gaps. A2640returnship program, as proposed in this bill, would provide2641crucial reemployment opportunities. This act fulfills our2642Nation's promise to those who sacrifice so much. It empowers2643caregivers financially while potentially reducing long-term2644reliance on federal assistance. We urge Congress to pass this2645legislation.2646    We also seek action to strengthen support for women and2647other underserved veterans by eliminating barriers to health2648care. These veterans face limited provider availability, lack2649awareness of benefits, they experience longer wait times and2650disparities in health care outcomes, and they face challenges2651due to income, education, and other systemic barriers that2652create inequities in accessing vital services. MOAA urges2653Congress to pass the Improving Menopause Care for Veterans Act2654to advance research and to enhance care for women veterans and2655to reintroduce the SAVES Act to expand care and benefits for2656survivors of MST.2657    For veterans benefits, we ask your support in ending the2658wait for the toxic-exposed veterans by codifying framework for2659the presumptive process. The PACT Act was certainly historic,2660but veterans still wait decades for recognition of toxic2661exposures. Since World War I, only 30 exposures have been2662recognized, taking an average of 34 years to establish2663presumption. MOAA and DAV's ``Ending the Wait'' report2664highlights the urgent need to improve the presumptive process.2665We urge Congress to codify a framework that acknowledges2666exposure and its risk, concedes exposure when justified, and2667commits to ongoing research linking exposures to healthcare2668outcomes. This framework is an essential first step to2669delivering the healthcare and benefits earned.2670    Additionally, we encourage Congress to focus on improving2671the transition services for service members by including VSOs2672in the TAP process. We all know financial stability is crucial2673to a smooth transition to civilian life. The Benefits Delivery2674at Discharge program helps expedite claims process, but2675excluding VSOs from TAPs increases unnecessary risk as both a2676VSO and an MSO, MOAA leverages its expertise to bridge the gap2677between the military and civilian communities. Including VSOs2678in TAP would provide transitioning service members with the2679essential guidance they need. We ask Congress to reintroduce2680and pass the TAP Promotion Act.2681    Finally, we urge Congress to immediately pass this year's2682VA funding and secure FY 2026 appropriations by October 1st.2683Predictable sufficient funding is vital to sustaining VA's2684health and benefit systems, meeting the growing needs of2685veterans and their families, and fulfilling congressional2686mandates without disruption.2687    MOAA thanks you for your leadership and commitment to those2688who have served, and we stand ready to work with Congress to2689hold our Nation's promises and ensure every veteran receives2690the care and benefits they earned. Thank you and I welcome your2691questions.2692    [Applause.]26932694    [The prepared statement of Ms. Campos appears on page 1262695of the Appendix.]26962697    Chairman Bost. Thank you, Commander. I now recognize Mr.2698Sheppard for 5 minutes for your opening statement.26992700STATEMENT OF TIMOTHY SHEPPARD, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION2701             OF STATE DIRECTORS OF VETERANS AFFAIRS27022703    Mr. Sheppard. Thank you, Chairman Bost. I am Tim Sheppard,2704President of the National Association of State Directors of2705Veterans Affairs, or NASDVA for short. Please accept our2706submitted written testimony for the record.2707    NASDVA was founded in 1946 following World War II to unite2708VA leaders from all 50 states, five U.S. territories, and the2709District of Columbia. NASDVA is tasked and held accountable by2710our respective Governors, state boards, or commissions to2711address the needs of our veterans. Although each state or2712territory is unique in its organizational structure, programs,2713and resources, we are frontline advocates for our Nation's 182714million veterans, with the common goal of conducting outreach2715and serving them.2716    Importantly, we partner with the federal VA, VSOs, and2717community partners, though the relationship between federal VA2718and NASDAQ is formalized by a Standing Memorandum of2719Understanding which we will have signed later this summer with2720Secretary Collins.2721    The two most important VA grant programs with VA are the2722State Veterans Home Construction Grant Program and the Veterans2723Cemetery Grants Program. The State Veterans Homes provide more2724than 50 percent of the total VA long-term care in 1712725operational homes with over 30,000 beds of care. There are 812726Priority Group 1 projects which requires roughly $1.3 billion2727for the federal 65 percent match. Both our association and the2728National Association of State Veterans Homes recommends2729increased funding from the proposed budget of only $147 million2730to at least $650 million to address the increasing need for2731nursing care and fund at least a half of the pending grant2732request.2733    Additionally, the operational costs warrant an increase in2734per diem rates to enhance the quality of care in the face of2735chronic shortages of health care professionals, rising cost of2736medications, and the increase in the complexity of care for the2737aging veterans' population.2738    For Memorial Affairs, the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program2739provided roughly 43,000 internments in 2024, which is roughly274024 percent of the total number of burials by NCA and grant2741cemeteries. There are 122 state, tribal, and three territory2742grant funded cemeteries that support VA's goal that 95 percent2743of veterans have a burial option within a 75-mile radius of2744their home county.2745    The FY 2025 budget proposal is only $60 million. Priority2746Group 1 projects are for expansion and improvement of existing2747cemeteries and totals more than $100 million. The funding is2748insufficient to award grants for new state or tribal2749cemeteries. The program needs an increase to at least $1202750million to address Priority Group 2 establishments.2751    For the 9 million veterans receiving VA health care. We2752recommend continued emphasis by VA to ensure veterans are2753provided timely access. We recommend the external provider2754scheduling program be expanded nationally to include direct2755care availability which gives the veterans a comparison between2756VA and community providers. The focus should be on the2757veteran's medical needs, whether in-house, VA, or by community2758care, which in essence is VA care. The scheduling of2759appointments needs improvement and reimbursements to providers2760should be prompt. The coordination of available care is the2761key.2762    We support Congress's oversight to hold VA accountable for2763the rollout of the Electronic Health Record Modernization. It2764is a complex software, but it is taking too long to deploy. VA2765needs to address both current system challenges highlighted by2766users and future IT issues. VA should continue to conduct2767operational assessments and have a strategic roadmap for2768completion.2769    In conclusion, I want to re-emphasize again that we are2770government-to-government partners with the federal VA and we2771are second only to them in the direct delivery of services.2772Distinguished Committee Members, we sincerely respect and2773appreciate your work to improve the well-being of our Nation's2774veterans. It is our honor for us to be part of the mission.2775Thank you and Hooah.2776    Voices. Hooah.27772778    [The prepared statement of Mr. Sheppard appears on page 1482779of the Appendix.]27802781    Chairman Bost. You Army guys. Marines we just do it Oorah,2782different. Mr. Toenniessen, you are recognized for 5 minutes2783for your opening statement.27842785STATEMENT OF RAYMOND TOENNIESSEN, DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND2786   VICE PRESIDENT FOR STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND INNOVATION,2787   D'ANIELLO INSTITUTE FOR VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES AT2788                      SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY27892790    Mr. Toenniessen. Thank you. Chairman Moran and Bost,2791Ranking Members Blumenthal and Takano, and Members of the2792Committees, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to2793present the 2025 policy priorities of the D'Aniello Institute2794for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University.2795    Our Nation's all-volunteer force relies on our shared2796commitment to ensure that veterans and their families not only2797survive but truly thrive after service. To achieve this, we2798must address the complex challenges they face with proactive2799interventions, strong public-private partnerships and rigorous2800evaluation. Most critical, the VA's recent National Veterans2801Suicide Prevention Annual Report confirms that the rate of2802death by suicide remains unacceptably high. We know that2803health, economic, and housing challenges rarely occur in2804isolation. Instead, each additional stressor compounds the risk2805of suicidal ideation.2806    Over the past decade, initiatives like our America Serves2807program have been vital. Data shows that nearly 70 percent of2808veterans supported through America Serves are also enrolled in2809VA healthcare, a clear sign that when communities and the VA2810work in tandem, they can address stressors more effectively and2811reach veterans who might otherwise be overlooked.2812    Equally important is the role of programs like the Staff2813Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant. As this2814program comes up for reauthorization, we value your commitment2815to enhancing it with improvements drawn from both grantee and2816advocate feedback. Such enhancements will empower communities2817to act decisively before it is too late.2818    Additionally, these comprehensive mental health2819interventions demand stronger accountability, and we urge2820Congress to establish enhanced standards for data collection2821and evaluation across the VA and its community partnerships. By2822setting clear, outcome driven benchmarks, we can ensure that2823every dollar is spent where it will have the greatest impact.2824    Transitioning from military service presents its own unique2825set of challenges. Data shows us that although most veterans2826pursue employment after service, including those furthering2827their education, 62 percent remain underemployed six and a half2828years after leaving the military. Meanwhile, the Federal2829Government spends over $13 billion annually on transition2830programs, primarily focused on education, spread across 462831federal programs managed by 11 different agencies. A recent2832RAND report found that few of these programs have undergone2833rigorous independent evaluation, with 27 of the programs2834releasing no performance data at all.2835    In contrast, nonprofit initiatives can deliver and show2836significant results. Our Onward to Opportunity program provides2837skills training and credentialing to over 10,000 transitioning2838service members, veterans and military spouses each year. As2839the only program evaluated by a third party, O2O stands as2840evidence that community led efforts can often operate more2841efficiently than their government counterparts. We encourage2842Congress to allocate additional resources to nonprofits that2843demonstrate measurable, positive outcomes and to require2844evaluation of federal programs.2845    Data from the Veterans Metrics Initiative, a comprehensive2846longitudinal study of Post-9/11 veterans by Penn State2847University, could be an instrumental guide in these much-needed2848reforms.2849    Navigation of services remains a critical challenge.2850Findings from our latest Blue Star Families Lifestyle survey2851reveals that 36 percent of veteran spouses access transition2852resources through TAP. This underscores the need for formal2853channels to complement informal networks, especially for2854spouses who often manage household finances and family goals.2855Legislative measures should simplify resource navigation,2856shifting our focus from reactionary fixes to long-term economic2857and career preparation that prevents crises and secures lasting2858stability.2859    Our veterans bring tremendous value to industries central2860to America's prosperity. For instance, memory chip giant Micron2861Technology is investing in a military talent pipeline through2862our O2O program to help staff what will be one of the largest2863semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the country. All of2864this shows that targeted initiatives can bridge the gap to high2865tech careers and bolster our Nation's energy and technology2866infrastructure.2867    In closing, ensuring that our veterans and their families2868thrive is essential to the strength of our all-volunteer force.2869This mission demands a coordinated whole-of-nation approach,2870one that cuts through bureaucratic hurdles, forges robust2871partnerships and is driven by clear data-backed results. The2872D'Aniello Institute remains steadfast in its commitment to2873rigorous research and proven programs so that every veteran2874receives the support they deserve.2875    Thank you and I look forward to your questions.28762877    [The prepared statement of Mr. Toenniessen appears on page2878166 of the Appendix.]28792880    Chairman Bost. Thank you very much. General Piatt, you are2881recognized for 5 minutes.28822883 STATEMENT OF LT. GEN. WALTER E. PIATT (RET.), CHIEF EXECUTIVE2884                OFFICER, WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT28852886    Mr. Piatt. Chairman Bost and Moran, Ranking Members Takano2887and Blumenthal, and distinguished Committee Members. Thank you2888for today's hearing and for the honor to join you on behalf of2889Wounded Warrior Project and the warriors in families we serve.2890Over 20 years ago, when the first wounded service members2891returned from the battlefields, our organization made a promise2892to be there for these warriors no matter what. That promise is2893our why. It is the reason Wounded Warrior Project exists, to2894bring every warrior fully home, mind, body and soul and connect2895them back to a path in life of hope and purpose.2896    Today, our promise endures. But the future of service will2897require more. Warriors will continue to defend our country.2898Warriors will struggle. More will be asked of our grateful2899Nation. More will be asked from all of us. No matter what is2900required, we must keep this promise. It is an extraordinary2901commitment in return for extraordinary sacrifice.2902    As we look to the future, Wounded Warrior Project remains2903committed to working with you. Your invaluable support will2904make all the difference in helping our Nation's wounded2905veterans thrive in life following military service. Next week,2906100 warriors from Wounded Warrior Project will be coming to2907Washington, DC to visit all of you. These warriors will bring2908with them the experiences of struggle and uncertainty, but they2909will also bring with them the power of hope and healing. They2910are the voices for their communities and will help deliver the2911message of how we can best support them.2912    They will specifically address three issues: mental health,2913financial wellness and traumatic brain injury. Our warriors2914will share how you can support their mental health needs. They2915will ask for your help in passing a Veterans' ACCESS Act which2916will set access standards for VAs mental health residential2917rehabilitation treatment programs. These intensive care2918programs provided changing--life changing mental health care,2919over 30,000 veterans in 2023 and we appreciate all who have2920made this critical issue a priority.2921    Our warriors will also tell you how you can best support2922their financial wellness. They will once again ask Congress to2923pass the Major Richard Star Act which will expand concurrent2924receipt policy to more than 54,000 military retirees whose2925careers were cut short due to combat related injuries, allowing2926them to collect their full compensation through the VA and DoD2927that they earned and deserve.2928    Our warriors will also tell you how you can support2929veterans living with traumatic brain injury. They will ask for2930continued investment in research that explores the course of2931neurological and cognitive functioning after TBI and builds2932evidence to expand access to effective treatments and2933community-based support. TBI is a complex injury with a2934spectrum of short- and long-term conditions. We must continue2935to support the study of impacts on repetitive low level blast2936injuries on veterans' mental health as we have with efforts2937like the Precision Brain Health Research Act of 2024.2938    I am grateful that so many of you on this Committee have2939made time to meet with these warriors next week where they can2940share their experience with these issues and the lasting impact2941your support has had on their lives, their families, and their2942communities. I sincerely thank you for the honor to testify and2943for all you do and your part in helping us keep the promise.2944Thank you again for all you do. I look forward to your2945questions.2946    [Applause.]29472948    [The prepared statement of Mr. Piatt appears on page 176 of2949the Appendix.]29502951    Chairman Bost. General, thank you and thank you. General2952thank you and thank each one of you for your testimony. We are2953now going to go to questions. I recognize myself for 3 minutes.2954Commander Campos, why is it so critical to hold VA accountable2955in its efforts to improve access to residential treatment2956options?2957    Ms. Campos. Chairman, thank you for that question. Well, it2958is really important that VA expands its services to our RTP2959programs. Most of VA can't and is unable to deliver those2960services completely through its own system. So we need that2961care in the community. So, those services are vital, and that2962is where the veterans are. And it is especially important in2963rural areas where VA does not have a footprint. So those2964programs are very, very important. And we would also like to2965see some other expansions, even in terms of mental health with2966the Vet Center. So, it is more in the community. It is very2967well received by veterans. They feel comfortable going to those2968centers, and we would like to see that continued expansion.2969    Chairman Bost. Thank you. Mr. Sheppard. There is currently2970a major focus on providing adequate care for our veterans, both2971within the VA system and throughout the community care2972providers. How has legislation such as MISSION Act been2973beneficial to strengthen ties between VA and community care2974providers?2975    Mr. Sheppard. Thank you for that question, Chairman Bost. I2976will speak of my own situation. I find that community care is2977incredibly important and available. If there is one thing I2978have seen between care at the VA versus community care, the2979process for scheduling is a little clunky, but I think the VA2980has gotten better at that. But more importantly, the quality of2981the community care has been outstanding. And I see it across2982the Nation, that we continue to grow and improve in our ability2983to work those two together. And with the idea that, hey, it has2984the best interest of the veteran, get them to the right care2985and get them there as quickly as you can.2986    Chairman Bost. Thank you. General, in the past, Veteran2987Readiness and Employment in VR&E has been called the crown2988jewel of the VA by Members of this Committee. Recently,2989however, the VR&E has had some serious issues relating to2990staffing and modernization. What steps should Congress take to2991bring VR&E back to the level that the veterans deserve?2992    Mr. Piatt. Thank you for the question and thank you for all2993you have done with this issue. I think just continued support2994there and I think leverage on the VSOs as well. I think we all2995have a role to play in here on employment for our veterans to2996get access to this care. I think it has a lot to ask for the VA2997to do it all on their own, but we believe continued pushing of2998that act will continue to bring the services our veterans need2999and deserve.3000    Chairman Bost. Thank you. Dr. Dexter, you are recognized3001for 3 minutes for questioning.3002    Dr. Dexter. Thank you so much, Chairman Bost, and thank you3003for holding this important hearing, once again. Thank you to3004our witnesses for being here. Your advocacy is invaluable, as3005hopefully each of you know. I thank you all for what you do3006each and every day. Being advocates is a work of passion. It is3007a work of commitment. And I think right now it is also critical3008to acknowledge the extraordinary courage it takes for some to3009be in this space.3010    Lindsay, I just want to be clear that I am grateful to you3011for your dedication. I am clear your courage is extraordinary3012at this moment in time, and it has a beacon of hope for many3013veterans across this country. Each and every veteran deserves3014equal respect [cheering]. And I hope all advocates will agree3015that every veteran earns that respect and will stand with you3016at this time.3017    When I speak with veterans, veteran service providers, and3018VSOs in my district, one priority comes up time again and3019again, preventing veteran suicide. And the reality is stark.3020Lindsay, the system has consistently failed those you3021represent, and it has led to devastating health outcomes,3022including unacceptably high suicide rates. Lindsay, can you3023share how the Trump administration's recent Executive orders3024and mass firings have impacted the mental health resources3025available to your members?3026    Ms. Church. Thank you. You are going to make me cry. Thank3027you for your remarks and for the question. Providers who serve3028trans patients are deeply uncertain about what they can do, how3029they are expected to treat us, and how they are going to be3030forced to discuss our care. My providers are unclear if they3031can even use the appropriate pronouns to address me.3032    Non-consensually, transgender veterans have had their birth3033sex returned to their records, meaning that my birth sex has3034been revealed to everybody, including a dental scheduler. My3035gender identity is a deeply personal part of my identity, and3036it is a part of my health profile. Transgender veterans are3037making impossible decisions about whether or not to continue to3038use care at VA. My own provider can't even guarantee that I can3039be safe to continue to use care. I have to seek care outside of3040VA because I don't trust that I am going to be safe from DOGE3041data collection. I had my gender identity removed from my3042records because the libs of TikTok flagged it for DOGE and the3043Secretary of VA, and the next day, it was gone.3044    It is unacceptable. We already had a transgender veteran3045die by suicide on January 27th in Syracuse, New York, in a3046parking lot. Like most of our veteran suicide, draped in a3047Trans Pride flag. We are dying and we are going to keep dying3048because the government is trying to erase us. We won't be3049erased, but we will suffer unnecessarily. And our providers3050have no idea what is going to be inbound.3051    It is not only unethical, it has also a First Amendment3052violation. Telling people that they have to misgender us is3053unethical. It is against their code. As a doctor, you know3054this. It is unacceptable and it is inhumane. We are people3055trying to get access to care. We deserve it. We shouldn't have3056to beg and grovel to be treated as a regular person. We die by3057suicide at a higher rate than anybody at this table. Why are we3058being eradicated?3059    Thank you.3060    Dr. Dexter. Thank you.3061    [Applause.]3062    Chairman Bost. Thank you. Congressman Kennedy, you are3063recognized for 3 minutes.30643065                     HON. TIMOTHY KENNEDY,3066               U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM NEW YORK30673068    Mr. Kennedy. First of all, Lindsay, thank you for that very3069powerful message. To all of our veterans, thank you so much for3070being here. Thank you for your service to our country. Thank3071you today, folks, for your testimony.3072    In Buffalo, New York, we are dealing with a very specific3073issue as it pertains to veteran care at the VA Medical Center.3074And following a chaotic and disturbing administrative issue,3075there were two leaders of that hospital that were pulled by the3076VA, removed, because not just of a lackluster performance, but3077of abhorrent administration of the work that they were sworn to3078do to help our veterans get the health care that they have3079earned and deserve. And so, in this moment, I am heartbroken to3080see what is happening with the cuts in the administrative jobs3081at the VA across this country, 1400 of which happened in the3082last few weeks. When by the VA's own account, there was already3083a shortage of 40,000 staff members. It is unconscionable. This3084should not be happening. But it is. Under this administration,3085in the efforts of unelected billionaire Elon Musk, who is3086running roughshod over our Constitution and our veterans, both3087those that served our country and then decided to go into3088public service, including service-disabled veterans. A third of3089the workforce in this country is made up of our veterans. Half3090of them are service disabled. We owe it to our veterans to3091prioritize their well-being, their livelihood, their place in3092the workforce of America, and treat them like the heroes that3093they are, not the way they are being treated.3094    And so, to hear what I am hearing today and to know that3095these services are going to be cut, it is painful, it is3096unacceptable. And we as a country are better than this.3097    I yield back.3098    [Applause.]3099    Chairman Bost. Ranking Member, you are now recognized for 33100minutes. Ranking Member, you are recognized for 3 minutes.3101Everybody else has asked.3102    Mr. Takano. So, my first question is for Mr. McLaughlin of3103the NACVSO. Mr. McLaughlin, I want to thank you for, thank you3104and your colleagues for the important work you do in connecting3105veterans with VA, and their earned health care and benefits is3106crucial work. I read in your testimony about the importance of3107strengthening partnerships between VA and advocates such as3108yourself. What is needed to achieve these strong relationships3109and how can Congress help you?3110    Mr. McLaughlin. Thank you for that question, Ranking Member3111Takano. One of the big things that we are asking for is3112increased collaboration and communication between all levels of3113government. Right now, we appreciate the relationships that we3114have with our state partners, that we have with our federal3115partners, but it is very much siloed. And so, looking at that3116report as part of the VBIA Act that is directing VA to report3117back to you all with recommendations on how we can increase3118community frontline resources for veterans, not at a regional3119office, not at a medical center, where the veterans live.3120Counties, states, and municipalities are where our veterans3121live. They don't live at the medical center; they don't live at3122the regional office. So increasing that collaboration and3123formalizing the relationship similar like our Department of3124Justice has with our county attorneys, and our sheriffs, and3125our local law enforcement. If we can get together on board as3126united front, federal, state, and local, on that front, I think3127our veterans are owed for us to coordinate all efforts on their3128behalf.3129    Mr. Takano. Well, thank you. Lindsay, you and I have3130discussed many times VA's issues with gender-based harassment3131and your concerns. How can our Committees best impact the3132prevalence of harassment at VA?3133    Ms. Church. Thank you for the question. The greatest thing3134that this Committee can do is oversight. Deborah Sampson Act3135added 5303, which is the preventing gender-based harassment.3136First and foremost, not removing gender is a really important3137part about being able to report on gender-based harassment.3138Second, of all gender-based harassment and discrimination3139claims are up 106 percent last year. That is a travesty that3140this Committee has focused heavily on.3141    So, continuing that oversight, making sure that we3142strengthen provisions of Deborah Sampson, focusing on3143strengthening the reporting mechanism, and how do we report in3144a system where we don't trust the environment that we are going3145into. Discrimination cases are going to continue to go up. So3146are harassment cases in a culture that is permissive of it.3147    Continuing to do oversight, making sure that the reports3148from Deborah Sampson are actually independent of the complaint.3149There are two reports that they tried to consolidate. Making3150sure that the reporting on Deborah Sampson is pure. Making sure3151that we can see the data and we can see the facilities that are3152in trouble. We continue to see an obscured amount of data if3153you have fewer than 10 instances at a VA facility, which you3154should be in remediation, we can't see that. So, making sure3155that we have proper oversight over the entire mechanism is3156deeply important to addressing the issue of harassment. Thank3157you.3158    Mr. Takano. Thank you. I am done. I am done. Yes.3159    Chairman Bost. I want to thank all of you for being here3160today. You know, that concludes today's VSO hearing. And I want3161to thank--I think it is clear that the Committee is3162collaborating with VA and has more work to do in services to3163our veterans and their families and we will continue to carry3164out that work. I ask unanimous consent that all Members shall3165have five legislative days in which revise and extend their3166remarks and include any extraneous material. Hearing no3167objections, so ordered. This hearing is now adjourned.3168    [Whereupon, at 12:55 p.m., the Joint Committees were3169adjourned.]31703171                            A P P E N D I X31723173                          Prepared Statements31743175[GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]31763177                       Submission for the Record31783179[GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]31803181                        Questions for the Record31823183[GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]31843185                                  [all]