Multiple veteran and military service organizations take part in press conference calling for support of the sweeping legislation.
Representatives from a coalition of 23 veteran and military service organizations – including The American Legion – gathered on July 14 in the nation’s capital to advocate for the Take Care of America's Veterans Act (TCAVA). Watch the entire press conference here.
The American Legion joined other military and veteran organizations with members of Congress to share highlights of, and urge support for, legislation that includes more than 60 stalled veterans' bills. Among those feature those that would support and expand concurrent retirement pay, survivor benefits, caregiver support and suicide prevention. Through TCAVA, those bills are finally moving together in one path forward as for the first time in a generation, the votes and resources line up to move to pass those bills.
American Legion Government Affairs Executive Director Mario Marquez was among the press conference’s speakers. He stressed that the organization analyzed TCAVA carefully before expressing its support.
“Leadership is about carefully evaluating the facts, making difficult decisions, and accepting responsibility for those decisions. That has defined The American Legion for more than 107 years,” Marquez said. “Leadership, though, also requires more than identifying problems. It requires offering solutions. After years of working alongside dedicated organizations and advocates who have devoted their entire professional lives to serve America’s veterans, The American Legion believes this legislation represents the strongest path forward.
“It has earned meaningful bipartisan and bicameral support, making it the most viable opportunity to deliver lasting, positive change for the veterans we have pledged to serve. We urge Congress and the administration to advance these provisions without delay, so they can deliver the support and care our nation's veterans have earned."
Marquez noted there is opposition to the legislation but said that has been taken into consideration by The American Legion. “Since reaching the conclusion, we’ve continued to hear concerns from those who oppose the legislation – and also the voice of those who support it,” he said. “We recognize that reasonable people have reached different conclusions, and we respect those differences.
“The American Legion fulfilled its responsibility to carefully evaluate this legislation and review every provision, and then engage directly with Congress and stakeholders to seek improvements, explore alternatives, and exercise our independent judgment.”
The press conference featured remarks from fellow veteran and military service organizations’ representatives, including AMVETS, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, the Wounded Warrior Project, the Military Officer Association of America and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. Also speaking were House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost, U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain and U.S. Rep Gus Bilirakis.
TCAVA includes American Legion legislative priorities such as the Major Richard Star Act, the Love Lives On Act, the VITAL Act, the HONOR Act and the SAVES Act. David Star, the brother of the veteran for whom the Major Richard Star Act is named, also spoke during the press conference.
“TCAVA supports famillies, children, and it honors their sacrifice,” Star said. “My brother Richard died waiting for this bill to pass. Our family and the 59,000 combat-wounded veterans deserve action. Pass TCAVA and send it to the president now.”
In closing, Marquez noted that despite any debate or dissension about TCAVA, the legislation has raised awareness about veterans issues among Congress and beyond. “Whether you support or oppose this legislation, one thing is undeniable: Because we chose to engage, the entire veterans community is having a serious conversation,” he said. “And we know that they are now aware of the barriers that continue to delay veterans' legislation.”
Get more information about the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act here.
Learn more about TCAVA and urge support here.
- Veterans Benefits