Legislative Division staff are attending three congressional hearings: the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security, “Chained Consumer Price Index”; the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies (MCVA), “FY 2014 MCVA Appropriations”; and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on MCVA, “FY 2014 Budget Hearing.”
Peter Gaytan, executive director of The American Legion in Washington, is attending a bill-signing by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley at the State House in Annapolis. The Veterans Full Employment Act of 2013 will enable veterans who apply for occupational and professional licenses in Maryland to get credit for their military training, education and experience.
Legislative Division staff are attending two congressional hearings: the Senate Armed Services Committee, “Air Force FY 2014 Authorization”; and the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, “AGR (Active, Guard, Reserve) and civilian personnel programs for FY 2014 Authorization.”
Economic Division staff are meeting with Frank DiGiovanni, director, Training and Readiness and Strategy, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, other senior DoD members and senior leadership of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters to discuss progress made since February 2013 on our joint state-by-state initiatives, as well as continued barriers moving forward.
The American Legion’s System Worth Saving Task Force is evaluating the quality of VA health care, especially for women veterans, at the St. Cloud VA Healthcare System in Minnesota.
Peter Gaytan, executive director of the Legion’s Washington office, will represent the Legion at a roundtable discussion between the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and veterans service organizations. Committee Chairman Jeff Miller is bringing VSO leadership together for a frank discussion regarding the challenges facing America's veterans and how to overcome those challenges.
Legislative Division staff are attending four congressional hearings today: the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, “FY 2014 Defense Appropriations”; the House Armed Services Committee, “FY 2014 Defense Authorization”; the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on several pieces of pending legislation; and the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, “Army Readiness.”
A team from The American Legion’s System Worth Saving (SWS) Task Force is conducting a town hall meeting in St. Cloud, Minn., on the quality of health care for women veterans at the St. Cloud VA Healthcare System.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at American Legion Post 254 on 415 Benton Dr. N in Sauk Rapids, Minn. It is open to all veterans in the area. Women who have served in the Armed Forces and are currently receiving health care from the VA are especially encouraged to participate.
The American Legion and U.S. Chamber of Commerce are conducting hiring fairs in Wyoming and Louisiana. The events are open to veterans seekers, active-duty military members, Guard and reserve members, and military spouses. http://www.uschamber.com/hiringourheroes/events
American Legion staff will testify before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs regarding the fiscal 2014 Department of Veterans Affairs budget request.
