A Year-End Round-Up on Veterans Legislation in Congress

BY PETE PETERSON, CHAIR

The 118th Congress is shaping up to be one of the least productive in modern history. As of the end of October, only 106 public laws had been passed, a figure significantly lower than past sessions of Congress. In 2023, Congress passed just 27 bills, the fewest in a single year since the Great Depression.

This lack of productivity can be attributed to several factors, including a narrowly divided Congress and internal political challenges. In the House of Representatives, Republicans hold a slim majority, which has led to increased party infighting and a lack of consensus on key issues. The ousting of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in October 2023 resulted in weeks of stalled progress as lawmakers struggled to elect a new Speaker.

Partisan gridlock between the Republican-controlled House and the Democratic-controlled Senate also has made it difficult to advance legislation. Many bills passed by the House on party-line votes stalled in the Senate, where a 60-vote threshold is often required to overcome procedural hurdles.

This low output is alarming, but VVA has maintained momentum for critical veterans legislation, thanks to improved processes and relentless efforts on Capitol Hill. Constant engagement with lawmakers has been instrumental in ensuring VVA’s continued relevance on key matters related to veterans. Our consistent presence and advocacy have allowed us to keep veterans issues front and center, securing valuable legislative wins.

What has enhanced this success is the proactive involvement of our membership. Members have been pivotal in writing letters, making phone calls, and, most importantly, leveraging their roles as constituents to introduce us to their representatives. This grassroots involvement has been a game-changer, amplifying our voice and expanding our reach in Congress.

Among the 106 pieces of legislation that became law, about 13 percent were bills that VVA supported. Three of them renamed post offices or VA clinics in honor of Vietnam veterans; one marked the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps; and another extended VA benefits and obligations when funds were projected to run out prematurely.

In addition, U.S. Army Dustoff crews were given the Congressional Gold Medal; veterans gained easier access to obtaining commercial driver’s licenses; and a bill was passed that strengthened benefits for children of Vietnam War veterans born with spina bifida. These are big accomplishments in a slow Congress.

We encourage all VVA members to continue this vital work. By staying engaged and maintaining direct contact with legislators, we can influence the outcomes that matter most to the Vietnam War veteran community. Together, we’re proving that organized, consistent advocacy can lead to substantial progress for veterans’ rights and well-being. Your participation remains the backbone of these efforts, ensuring that our voices are heard and that we remain an essential part of the legislative process.

VVA-Supported Legislation Enacted in the 118th Congress (Prior to the Lame Duck Session)

H.R. 7333 — To name the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in West Palm Beach, Florida, as the “Thomas H. Corey VA Medical Center.”
H.R.2379 — Designated the facility of the United States Postal Service at 616 East Main Street in St. Charles, Illinois, as the “Veterans of the Vietnam War Memorial Post Office”
H.R.1096 — 250th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps Commemorative Coin Act
H.R.9468 — Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024
S.2825 — Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act
S.656 — Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023
H.R.1226 — Wounded Warrior Access Act — VA must establish and maintain secure online access for claimant or representative to make requests related to VA claims and benefits. VA must notify a requester within 10 days that their request has been received and must fulfill the request within 120 days.
H.R.366 — Korean American Vietnam Allies Long Overdue for Relief (VALOR) Act
S.112 — A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida, and for other purposes
S. 30 — Fiscal Year 2023 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act
S. 777 — Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2023

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