American Legion leaders to meet next week with Trump transition team to discuss policy recommendations.
After nearly two years of presidential campaigning, Americans woke up Wednesday morning to find out who would be leading the country for the next four years. Although the leadership changes may be definitive, it is still unclear how it will affect Legionnaires, the country’s 20 million-plus veterans, and those still serving in the U.S. military.
As a non-partisan organization, The American Legion did not endorse either presidential candidate, but had American Legion representation at both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump’s election-night events in New York City. President-elect Trump, who was identified the winner early Wednesday morning, described the country’s veterans as “incredible people” in his victory speech at a hotel in Manhattan, N.Y.
“We will also, finally, take care of our great veterans who have been so loyal and I’ve gotten to know so many over this 18-month journey. The time I’ve spent with them during this campaign has been among my greatest honors,” said Trump.
But it wasn’t just the presidential race that voters focused on, as many Congressional races impacted the country’s leadership and decision-makers directly affecting veterans. In addition to maintaining a Republican majority in the Senate and House of Representatives, The American Legion maintained representation inside the Capitol as well. Thirty-four members of the country’s 115th Congress are also veterans and Legionnaires.
Lastly, Tuesday’s election produced five more states that approved the legalization of medical marijuana: Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Montana and North Dakota. As reported on before, The American Legion passed a resolution at the 2016 national convention supporting the research of cannabis for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder for veterans. As more states approve medical marijuana and if medical research supports the treatment, it could become a healing option for more veterans across the country.
Leaders from The American Legion will meet with Donald Trump's transition team next week to discuss policy recommendations for the incoming cabinet and administration.
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