The press conference will be held Wednesday in Washington, D.C., to encourage the passing of appeals modernization legislation.
The American Legion is inviting external media, congressional representatives, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) leadership, and other veteran service organizations (VSOs) to attend a press conference asking Congress to pass appeals modernization.
The press conference will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Senate Visitor Center-209 on Capitol Hill and will include guest speaker Lou Celli, director of the Legion's Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division and acting director of the Legislative Division.
The appeals reform legislation will allow VA to modernize its outdated appeals process and ensure that veterans are receiving the care that they deserve in a timely manner.
“Modernizing VA's archaic appeals process is of the utmost priority. Over the past year, The American Legion has engaged in discussions with VA leadership, VSOs and private attorneys to improve the claims and appeals process,” said American Legion National Commander Charles E. Schmidt. “Please tell Congress you expect both parties to work together responsibly to pass the legislation, which includes a simple and fair appeals process that provides veterans and their families their earned benefits in a timely manner.”
Confirmed attendees for the press conference include:
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The American Legion Washington, D.C., headquarters
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Veterans of Foreign Wars
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Disabled American Veterans
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The American Veterans Inc.
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Vietnam Veterans of America
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Paralyzed Veteran of America
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Sen. Blumenthal, D-Conn.
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Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.
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Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont.
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Sen. Angus King, I-Maine
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Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev.
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Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y.
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Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Ind.
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Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-La.
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Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont.
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Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla.
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Rep. Ann Kuster, D-N.H.
- Legislative