Continuing to Push VVA's Legislative Priorities

BY PETE PETERSON, CHAIR

As we pass the halfway mark of the year and the end of the 2025 VVA National Convention, the Government Affairs team remains steadfast in our mission to serve all veterans and their families. Despite the often rancorous political climate, we continue to forge ahead – building bridges, engaging and finding old and new partners, and finding common ground in our commitment to fair and just treatment of those who have served.

Over the course of the past several months, the Government Affairs team has achieved significant successes and progress. And our work continues at the local, state, and federal levels, where we actively push VVA's priorities.

The direct engagement of VVA’s members is critical to our efforts. Your voice matters. Grassroots engagement from our membership plays a vital role in advancing federal legislation that supports veterans’ rights, benefits, and well-being.

Members bring first-hand experience and credibility when advocating for policies that have an impact on their communities, such as healthcare access, disability compensation, and mental health services. Their direct connection to the veteran experience lends authenticity and urgency to their advocacy, often resonating more strongly with lawmakers than abstract policy arguments or statistics alone.

Moreover, grassroots efforts can mobilize large networks of veterans and supporters across the country to contact legislators, attend town halls, and participate in public campaigns. This local pressure complements the work of national leaders in Washington, creating a dual-front advocacy approach.

When lawmakers hear consistent, unified voices from their districts and national representatives, they are more likely to act. The success of past legislation such as the PACT Act demonstrates how coordinated grassroots action can be pivotal in securing long-overdue reforms and ensuring that veterans receive the care and recognition they have earned.

Hundreds of thousands of U.S. veterans were exposed to deadly toxins during their service, including Agent Orange in Vietnam and burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. While many now suffer from cancers, respiratory illnesses, and neurological disorders, their children and grandchildren are also reporting serious health conditions, including birth defects, autoimmune diseases, and developmental delays. Yet the federal government has never conducted a comprehensive study into the generational effects of these exposures.

The Molly R. Loomis Research for Descendants of Toxic-Exposed Veterans Act (S. 2061) would change that. Named after Molly Loomis, who was born with spina bifida believed to be caused by her father’s exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, the bill seeks to fund vital research into the health conditions affecting the biological descendants of exposed veterans. Molly Loomis’s story is not unique—countless families have experienced unexplained medical conditions that may trace back to their parent’s or grandparent’s service.

This legislation would mandate research, provide the evidence needed to guide VA care, expand benefits where warranted, and bring long-overdue recognition to affected families. Without it, the legacy of toxic exposure remains incomplete and invisible.

Congress must act to honor our veterans and produce the evidence needed to inform VA policy.

VVA drafted the language for the President’s executive order to combat veteran homelessness in West LA and arranged a direct meeting between the VVA National President and VA Secretary Collins.

VVA is one of only four VSOs classified as direct advisors to the VA Secretary. While all groups have a connection, only four VSOs and four veteran non-profits participate in the monthly VA brainstorming sessions.

VVA developed, planned, and directly aided the America 250 effort, which features an American flag flying at every U.S. National Cemetery worldwide, flags which will ultimately return to the United States to fly in every state.

Recently, we witnessed a breakthrough that has taken 34 years of effort. Significant time and energy has gone into getting Gulf War Illness recognized, but we have opened doors in the last six months that have made this recognition finally possible.

A significant discussion has taken place that could potentially expand the Blue Water Navy limits from 12 to 90 miles.

The Incarcerated Veterans Act is another piece of legislation that we have worked on with VINJUS chair Dominick Yezzo, and it has potential to help veterans incarcerated through the support in the Senate of Senators King and Fetterman.

Progress on the Donut Dollies Congressional Gold Medal Act (H.R. 2018) continues.

We have stepped up our contact with trade associations, fellow VSOs, the VA, nonprofits, and other organizations to establish relationships and build bridges for VVA Government Affairs that could potentially lead to even greater relationships and efforts for the organization beyond just our GA efforts.

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