Big Accomplishments in 2024; More in Store for 2025

BY PETE PETERSON, CHAIR

Last year was filled with significant legislative accomplishments, groundbreaking research initiatives, and resolutions that advocate for the rights and wellbeing of veterans. Through enhanced operations, dedicated outreach, and the unwavering support of our members, Vietnam Veterans of America has made remarkable strides in our mission.

In 2024, VVA’s Government Affairs team implemented new operations and procedures that substantially improved our productivity and visibility. Our strategic outreach includes regular visits and meetings with elected representatives and their staffs, which have been instrumental in our success. On average, the Government Affairs team meets with more than 30 legislative members and staffers a week, equaling some 1,000 interactions on the Hill between April and December. We are strong, respected, and have reestablished our position on Capitol Hill.

Additionally, our outreach through Voter’s Voice on eight issues secured 1,263 letters from VVA members to congressional leaders. This is a great start, and our goal is 5,000 letters per legislative cycle. Your personal letters, calls, and responses to our calls to action are what makes the difference. Please be sure to sign up for our updates and respond when you see calls to action.

Our efforts led to the successful bipartisan passage of the Elizabeth Dole Act, a significant legislative victory achieved in the waning hours of the 118th Congress. This act ensures critical healthcare and benefits for all veterans.

Additionally, we secured October as Toxic Exposure Awareness Month, a vital initiative aimed at raising awareness about the serious health challenges faced by veterans due to toxic exposures during their service. This campaign will continue as we strive to educate the public and policymakers on these issues.

Last year presented challenges, including the departure of one staff member in October. However, our team quickly adapted, demonstrating exceptional resilience and teamwork. We effectively redistributed responsibilities, ensuring that our operations continued without missing a beat. This adaptability speaks volumes about the dedication of the National headquarters staff and our commitment to serving veterans.

Below is a list of our significant legislative accomplishments with the 118th Congress from April to December 2024.

H.R. 9468 — Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024: This act ensures that veterans’ benefits remain uninterrupted and accountable to those who served.
H.R. 7777 — Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2024.
H.R. 7333 — Naming the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida: Honors Thomas H. Corey
H.R. 3149 — National Medal of Honor Highway Act: Designates U.S. Route 20, which runs coast-to-coast from Massachusetts to Oregon, as the National Medal of Honor Highway.
H.R. 6651 — Designation of the USPS facility in Necedah, Wisconsin: Recognizes Sgt. Kenneth E. Murphy by naming the post office after him.
H.R. 6324 — Fiscal Year 2024 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act: Authorizes funding for major medical facilities serving veterans.
H.R. 5464 — Naming the community-based outpatient clinic in Guntersville, Alabama: Honors Col. Ola Lee Mize by naming the clinic after him.
H.R. 4190 — Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act.
H.R. 3944 — Designation of the USPS facility in Mount Vernon, Georgia: Honors 2nd Lt. Patrick Palmer Calhoun by naming the post office after him.
H.R. 2670 — National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.
H.R. 2379 — Designation of the USPS facility in St. Charles, Illinois: Recognizes all Vietnam War veterans.
H.R. 1432 — VETT Act: Strengthens employment and training programs for veterans.
H.R. 1096 — 250th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps Commemorative Coin Act.
H.R. 815 — Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024.
H.R. 593 — Renaming the Hinesville, Georgia, VA clinic: Honors multiple veterans by naming the clinic after John Gibson, Dan James, William Sapp, and Frankie Smiley.
H.R. 366 — Korean American VALOR Act.
S. 2825 — Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act.
S. 2795 — Amending Title 38, United States Code: Enhances the authorities and requirements of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
S. 656 — Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver’s License Act of 2023.
S. 112 — Strengthening benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida.
S. 30 — Fiscal Year 2023 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act: Allocates funding for vital medical facilities serving veterans.
H.R. 8371 — Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.
23. P.L. 118-52 — William L. Reynolds Post Office Building: Commemorates a veteran advocate. Senate Resolutions

S. RES. 932 — Designating October 2024 as “National Military Toxic Exposures Awareness Month.”
S. RES. 778 — Acknowledging the courage and sacrifice of Vietnam War veterans

Our commitment to research has led to several important internal studies focusing on the health impacts of military service and environmental exposures:

Implementation of the Toxic Exposure Research Act (TERA) of 2016.

Environmental Toxic Exposure Studies.

Health Registries and Special Studies: Establishing registries for veterans who may have been exposed to toxic substances in locations such as Fort McClellan, Fort Ord, and Vietnam.

Behavioral Health and Community Care Studies: Addressing rural health issues, ambulance services, and improving access to mental health care for veterans.

Alternative Therapies Research: Investigating the efficacy of complementary therapies, such as medical cannabis and telehealth, to improve veterans’ health outcomes.

As we move into the 119th Congress, the groundwork laid in 2024 will guide our continued advocacy for veterans’ rights and wellbeing. The policies and procedures established in 2024 will empower us to tackle the critical issues facing veterans today.

The tireless efforts of our Government Affairs team, bolstered by the commitment of our members, has made a significant impact. Together, we honor the sacrifices of the nation’s veterans and strive for a future in which their contributions are recognized and supported.

For more information on our initiatives and how you can get involved, go to our website www.vva.org

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