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“Legislative Hearing Presentation of The American Legion & Multi VSOs: MVA, JWV, NACVSO, MOAA, NASDVA, IVMF, WWP”

Joint House & Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing

February 26, 2025 (recording here)

HEARING INFORMATION

Witnesses & Written Testimony (linked) (Panel One):

• Mr. James LaCoursiere, Jr.: National Commander, The American Legion

• Mr. Joe Sharpe: Director, Veterans Employment and Education Division, The American Legion

• Mr. Matthew Jabaut: Chairman, Veterans Employment and Education Commission, The American Legion

• Mr. Matthew Shuman: Chairman, Legislative Commission, The American Legion

• Ms. Julia Mathis: Director, Legislative Division, The American Legion

• Mr. John "Jay" Bowen: Chairman, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission, The American Legion

• Mr. Cole Lyle: Director, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division, The American Legion

Witnesses & Written Testimony (linked) (Panel Two):

• Commander Gary Ginsburg (Ret.): National Commander, Jewish War Veterans

• Lindsay Church: Executive Director & Co-Founder, Minority Veterans of America

• Mr. Michael McLaughlin: Legislative Director, National Association of County Veterans Services Officers

• Commander Rene A. Campos (Ret.): Senior Director, Government Relations, Military Officers Association of America

• Mr. Timothy Sheppard: President, National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs

• Mr. Raymond Toenniessen: Deputy Executive Director and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University

• Lieutenant General Walter E. Piatt (Ret.): Chief Executive Officer, Wounded Warrior Project

Keywords mentioned:

• Accountability, PACT Act, veteran suicide, community care, infrastructure, transition assistance program (TAP), mental health, peer-to-peer support, workforce, benefits, VA facilities, layoffs, homelessness, Dole Act, funding

IN THEIR WORDS

OPENING STATEMENTS FROM THE COMMITTEES

• Chairman Mike Bost shared his personal connection to the military through his family's service and his own experience as a Marine. He stated that his commitment to veterans was unwavering and that he aimed to hold the VA accountable for improving services. He advocated for timely healthcare and benefits without unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.

• Chairman Jerry Moran expressed gratitude to the American Legion and its members for their advocacy. He underscored the importance of properly implementing veteran-related legislation, including the Elizabeth Dole Act and other bills aimed at improving healthcare and benefits. He called for a strong VA workforce to ensure veterans receive the care they deserve. He committed to working with veterans service organizations (VSOs) and his colleagues to maintain transparency and efficiency in the VA.

• Ranking Member Mark Takano welcomed the panelists and acknowledged the American Legion’s role in advocating for veteran benefits. He credited VSOs for their efforts in passing the PACT Act, which expanded healthcare for veterans affected by toxic exposure. He voiced his concerns over the Trump administration’s handling of the VA, particularly the mass firings of employees and the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. He warned that such actions could negatively impact veterans' access to care and pledged to hold the administration accountable.

• Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal stated that veteran advocacy should remain a bipartisan effort and cited his work on various legislative initiatives, including the National Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act and the Caring for Survivors Act. He strongly criticized the administration’s firing of VA employees and the cancellation of contracts affecting veteran services. He called for transparency and oversight to prevent harm to veterans relying on these programs.

• Chairman Bost responded to Ranking Member Blumenthal’s statement by accusing his Democratic colleagues of spreading fear rather than facts regarding the VA's contract cancellations. He argued that reviewing and terminating outdated, redundant, or ineffective contracts was responsible governance, not a cause for panic. He reassured veterans that the VA's decision to cancel $2 billion in contracts was meant to improve efficiency and ensure funds were spent directly on veteran services rather than wasteful bureaucracy. Additionally, he defended the administration’s handling of VA workforce reductions, stating that laid-off employees had due process to appeal their terminations and that critical positions, such as those involved in suicide prevention hotlines, had already been reinstated.

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS (PANEL ONE)

• Rep. Joe Courtney introduced American Legion National Commander Jim LaCoursiere, reviewing his military service and long-standing advocacy for veterans. He praised the American Legion’s grassroots efforts in shaping veteran policies and ensuring their voices were heard in Congress. He noted that Mr. LaCoursiere’s leadership was significant for Connecticut, as it had been 71 years since the state last had a National Commander. He expressed confidence that LaCoursiere would effectively lead the organization in advocating for veterans nationwide.

• Mr. Jim LaCoursiere expressed gratitude to Congress and the American Legion family for their support. He underlined the importance of ensuring military service remains a worthwhile commitment by strengthening transition programs, improving VA healthcare, and enhancing the GI Bill. He called for reforms in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to better prepare service members for civilian life and prevent financial struggles linked to veteran suicide risk. He affirmed the American Legion’s commitment to advocacy and pledged to work with Congress to improve services and benefits for all veterans.

• Chairman Moran asked whether the American Legion had heard concerns from veterans whose conditions were not covered under presumptive service connections and if those concerns had been raised with the VA. Mr. Cole Lyle stated that the American Legion had actively lobbied for the PACT Act, which streamlined the process of adding new presumptive conditions. He was unaware of any specific conditions not covered but agreed to take the question for the record.

• Chairman Moran inquired whether the VA was properly utilizing the framework established in Title II of the PACT Act to expand presumptive service connections. Mr. Lyle responded that while the VA was supposed to hold quarterly briefings with VSOs on new presumptive conditions, these meetings had not occurred consistently. The American Legion voiced concerns about the lack of collaboration.

• Chairman Moran then asked about the importance of state veterans' homes and why additional resources were needed to build, expand, and renovate them. Mr. Lyle said that state veterans' homes played a critical role in long-term veteran care. He affirmed that the American Legion would continue advocating for increased funding and the establishment of new state veterans' homes.

• Ranking Member Takano asked whether Mr. LaCoursiere had seen the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) statement regarding the VA’s mass firing of employees. Mr. LaCoursiere said he had heard about the statement but had not read it yet. He committed to reviewing it and discussing it with his staff.

• Ranking Member Takano asked if the witnesses agreed that the loss of thousands of VA employees, many of whom were veterans, was troubling. Mr. Lyle shared the anxiety within the veteran community over the firings. He noted that a recent discussion with VA officials indicated that some leaders supported the administration’s exemption policies. However, he expressed the need for further clarification on how these layoffs would impact veteran services.

• Ranking Member Takano asked whether the American Legion had concerns about veterans with strong performance records being dismissed under the justification of poor performance. Mr. Lyle stated that he was not aware of any specific cases but was willing to investigate further.

• Ranking Member Takano asked how the VA could balance community care with direct VA care, given the infrastructure challenges. Mr. Lyle responded that the American Legion supported codifying access standards and prioritizing veteran needs while advocating for increased appropriations to modernize VA facilities.

• Ranking Member Blumenthal criticized the administration’s mass firings and contract terminations, arguing that they negatively impacted benefit processing and suicide prevention services. He asked whether the American Legion had seen delays in veterans receiving benefits due to these terminations. Mr. Lyle stated that VA officials had assured them that benefit processing was on track to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2025. Ranking Member Blumenthal urged the American Legion to verify this claim with actual veterans, rather than relying solely on VA leadership’s assurances.

• Rep. Amata Coleman Radewagen asked why the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025 was important for ensuring high-quality VA services. Mr. Lyle claimed that the American Legion had long supported increased accountability and efficiency within the VA. He pointed out that the Office of Inspector General (OIG) had identified inefficiencies that could save billions of dollars, reinforcing the need for reform.

• Sen. Thom Tillis asked whether long wait times and delays in veteran services were a new issue or a problem that had existed prior to the current administration. Mr. LaCoursiere acknowledged that any wait time was unacceptable but avoided making a direct political statement.

• Sen. Tillis asked whether the American Legion had received detailed information on the specific positions affected by the recent VA terminations. Ms. Julia Mathis responded that they did not yet have a full breakdown of the impacted roles but were working to gather that data.

• Rep. Herb Conaway expressed concern over staff reductions at the Veterans Crisis Line and the firing of key support staff at VA medical facilities. He asked how these cuts could impact veteran suicide prevention efforts. Mr. LaCoursiere emphasized that the American Legion was deeply committed to suicide prevention, citing the “Be the One” campaign. Mr. Lyle added that while two crisis line employees had been reinstated, potential staffing shortages remained a concern. He committed to monitoring the situation closely.

• Sen. Maggie Hassan criticized the administration’s firing of the VA Inspector General (IG) and its subsequent mass layoffs and contract cancellations. She argued that these actions should have been carefully studied before implementation and asked for greater transparency from VA Secretary Doug Collins.

• Sen. Hassan then asked about the urgent need for VA infrastructure improvements. Mr. LaCoursiere acknowledged the poor condition of VA medical facilities and stressed the importance of investing in modernization. Mr. Lyle added that outdated infrastructure had exacerbated delays in care, particularly as more veterans were directed to community care.

• Rep. Abe Hamadeh praised President Trump’s commitment to Veterans Choice and asked how the VA could prevent bureaucratic barriers from limiting access to community care. Mr. Jay Bowen responded that the American Legion prioritized ensuring veterans received timely care, whether through the VA or community providers. He noted that experiences varied across regions and that some veterans faced approval challenges, which the American Legion actively worked to resolve.

• Sen. Jim Banks highlighted the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, which was set to take place in Indianapolis, and asked how it benefited veterans. Mr. LaCoursiere praised the program, stating that creative expression served as a valuable therapeutic outlet for veterans struggling with mental health challenges. He contrasted this holistic approach with the past reliance on overmedication for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions.

• Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick voiced strong opposition to recent budget cuts that could negatively impact veterans, specifically citing the recent layoffs at the Veterans Crisis Line. She asked whether firing employees aligned with the American Legion’s “Be the One” campaign to train 100,000 people in suicide prevention. Mr. Lyle acknowledged the rapid changes at the VA. He stated that critical positions were exempted from layoffs and that VA supervisors had the ability to request exemptions for essential employees. He assured the Committees that the American Legion was closely monitoring the situation and had not yet seen direct impacts on veterans.

• Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick asked if the American Legion supported investing in more staff for the Veterans Crisis Line and mental health services for veterans. Mr. Lyle responded that while the Veterans Crisis Line was essential, the American Legion believed in a broader upstream prevention approach to address veteran suicide. He discussed the importance of tackling financial stress, housing, and relationship issues before a crisis occurs. Ms. Mathis then highlighted the Staff Sergeant Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which funds community-based peer support services, and reaffirmed the American Legion’s commitment to veteran-to-veteran outreach.

• Sen. Angus King warned that the impact of mass firings at the VA was worse than reported, estimating that due to a hiring freeze and natural attrition, the total personnel loss could be closer to 4,000–5,000 employees. He criticized the notion that only front-line healthcare workers mattered, arguing that administrative roles such as schedulers and phone operators were just as vital for veterans accessing care.

• Sen. King then shifted focus to veteran transition programs, endorsing the TAP Promotion Act, which would integrate VSOs into TAP. He asked how important TAP was to ensuring veterans received proper support when exiting service. Mr. LaCoursiere stressed that a well-structured TAP was essential for financial stability, employment, and preventing homelessness. He argued that more guidance and resources should be given to service members before they separate, ensuring they understand their benefits and future career opportunities.

• Rep. Marianette Miller-Meeks asked for recommendations on how Congress could improve suicide prevention efforts and whether the VA’s refusal to consider residential mental health care and substance abuse treatment under the MISSION Act contributed to higher suicide rates among veterans. Mr. Lyle reiterated that the American Legion believed suicide prevention should not be confined to the VHA’s mental health department but should involve broader policy changes, such as financial assistance and peer-to-peer programs. He supported increasing funding for the Fox Grant Program, which provides state and local resources for struggling veterans.

• Rep. Maxine Dexter praised the Elizabeth Dole Act for addressing veteran homelessness but criticized Congress for failing to fully fund its provisions. She asked Mr. LaCoursiere how fully funding the Dole Act would impact homeless veterans. Mr. LaCoursiere underscored that homelessness and suicide should never be associated with veterans, arguing that housing should be a fundamental right for those who served. He stated that HUD-VASH vouchers that provide subsidized housing for veterans often ran out before the end of the year, leaving veterans without stable housing. He urged Congress to allocate more funding based on state-specific veteran populations.

• Sen. Tammy Duckworth reflected on the decades-long fight for presumptive conditions under Agent Orange exposure and warned that toxic exposure conditions under the PACT Act may take 20–30 years to manifest. She spoke on the importance of getting veterans into the system now to ensure future coverage.

• Sen. Duckworth criticized the mass firings at the VA, particularly those at the Veterans Crisis Line, and asked how these layoffs would affect American Legion members. Mr. Lyle admitted that the rapid pace of changes at the VA made it difficult to assess the full impact. However, he reassured Sen. Duckworth that exemptions had been granted for critical positions, and the American Legion was tracking concerns from its members. Sen. Duckworth urged the Legion to report every case of unjust veteran layoffs to her office and called the firings dishonorable.

• Rep. Morgan McGarvey claimed that morale was plummeting among VA employees due to recent mass firings. He cited a veteran from his district who said VA staff were “scared” and unsure if they would lose their jobs. Rep. McGarvey asked if the American Legion had exact numbers on how many VA employees were veterans and how many had been laid off. Mr. Lyle estimated that the VA workforce was approximately 469,000 employees, with around 360,000 of them being veterans. However, he admitted that the exact number of veteran layoffs was unknown due to a lack of transparency from the administration.

• Rep. McGarvey argued that the lack of an impact analysis before the layoffs made it impossible to predict the consequences. He asked what the American Legion was hearing from its members about the potential damage to veteran services. Mr. Lyle acknowledged growing concerns and said the American Legion was pressing the VA for clarity on how these layoffs would affect services.

• Rep. Kelly Morrison announced that the Minneapolis VA had been hit hard by the mass firings, with many of the laid-off employees being veterans themselves. She then asked Mr. LaCoursiere how federal housing investments and wraparound services could help reduce veteran homelessness. Mr. LaCoursiere supported expanding HUD-VASH vouchers and Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). He stated that veterans needed assurance that the government was prioritizing them, especially in states with high demand for housing.

• Chairman Bost asked if the American Legion still supported his bill, the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act. Mr. LaCoursiere confirmed that the American Legion stood firmly behind the U.S. Constitution and supported the bill.

• Chairman Bost asked why the Veterans’ ACCESS Act, which expands community care, was necessary. Mr. Lyle explained that many VA medical centers ignored access standards, causing delays in referrals and canceled appointments. The bill would codify access standards so that VA officials could not deny veterans the right to seek community care if it was in their best interest.

• Ranking Member Takano criticized the administration for failing to justify the mass firings and questioned whether waste, fraud, and abuse were valid reasons for removing 2,400 employees. He cited real-world consequences, including mental health clinicians being fired at the Cleveland VA, and warned that prosthetics and supply chain disruptions could delay critical medical services.

• Ranking Member Takano demanded that Chairman Bost hold a hearing specifically on the firings, arguing that VA officials had failed to provide sufficient explanations. Chairman Bost refused to commit, stating that he would "take it under advisement." He claimed that the administration was working to fix government inefficiencies and that due process was available for any employee wrongfully fired.

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS (PANEL TWO)

• Mr. Gary Ginsberg affirmed the mission of Jewish War Veterans to support all American veterans, regardless of race, religion, or gender. He expressed concerns about antisemitism and urged Congress to take action through oversight, education, and prevention. He mentioned food insecurity among veterans, citing that over one million veterans currently face food shortages, and called for congressional oversight on the matter. Mr. Ginsberg also addressed concerns over VA staffing cutbacks, the need for the passage of the Major Richard Star Act, and the high rate of veteran suicide, urging the committee to act swiftly on these pressing issues.

• Lindsay Church underscored that many veterans, particularly those from minority groups, face systemic barriers, discrimination, and indifference after their service. They criticized the recent VA staff cuts, arguing that these actions jeopardized the accessibility and quality of veteran care, especially for marginalized communities. Church condemned the rollback of critical healthcare services, including gender-affirming and reproductive health care, calling these moves an effort at erasure rather than efficiency. They urged Congress to take decisive action in reinstating VA staff, halting the rollback of healthcare services, funding effective suicide prevention programs, and ensuring protections for all veterans.

• Mr. Michael McLaughlin discussed the importance of strong partnerships between the VA and local advocates to deliver veteran services efficiently. He raised concerns about delays in disability claims processing due to unnecessary medical exams and called for improvements in the Fully Developed Claim process to enhance efficiency. He strongly opposed any future policies that would implement means testing for VA disability benefits, arguing that such a move would break the nation’s commitment to its veterans.

• Ms. Rene Campos commended Congress for its bipartisan efforts in passing the Dole Act but stressed that more work remained to support veterans effectively. She advocated for the passage of the Veteran Caregiver Re-education, Reemployment, and Retirement Act to provide caregivers with employment opportunities after their service. She urged Congress to eliminate barriers to healthcare for women and underserved veterans, support research into menopause care, and reintroduce legislation for survivors of military sexual trauma. She also called for codifying a framework for recognizing toxic exposure, improving transition services for service members, and ensuring that VA funding remained secure and predictable.

• Mr. Timothy Sheppard called for increased funding for state veterans’ homes, noting that operational costs and staffing shortages were impacting the quality of care. He also addressed the need for greater funding for the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program to ensure adequate burial options for veterans. Additionally, he urged Congress to improve the VA’s healthcare scheduling system, ensure timely reimbursements to providers, and continue overseeing the rollout of the VA’s electronic health record (EHR) modernization.

• Mr. Raymond Toenniessen underscored the importance of addressing veteran suicide, citing the VA’s recent report that described persistently high suicide rates. He discussed the impact of economic and housing challenges on mental health and emphasized the success of programs like AmericaServes in improving access to resources. Mr. Toenniessen called for stronger accountability in veteran mental health programs by setting clear benchmarks for effectiveness. He also urged Congress to allocate resources to high-performing nonprofit organizations, streamline TAP, and invest in workforce training initiatives that connected veterans to high-tech careers.

• Mr. Walter Piatt articulated the Wounded Warrior Project’s commitment to supporting wounded veterans and ensuring they received the care and assistance they needed. He outlined three main areas of concern: mental health, financial wellness, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Mr. Piatt advocated for Congress to pass the Veterans’ ACCCESS Act to improve access to VA mental health care, support the Major Richard Star Act to ensure combat-injured retirees received full benefits, and invest in research on TBIs.

• Chairman Bost asked why it was critical to hold the VA accountable in its efforts to improve access to residential treatment options. Ms. Campos responded that expanding VA services to Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs (RRTPs) was essential because the VA alone could not provide these services entirely within its system. She said that community-based care was vital, especially in rural areas where the VA had limited access. Ms. Campos also mentioned the importance of expanding Vet Centers, as they were well-received by veterans and provided comfortable and effective mental health support.

• Chairman Bost inquired how legislation, such as the MISSION Act, had strengthened ties between the VA and community care providers. Mr. Sheppard replied that community care was incredibly important and had proven to be a valuable option for veterans. While he acknowledged that the process for scheduling was sometimes inefficient, he believed that the VA had improved in this area. He noted that the quality of care provided through community care had been outstanding and that the ultimate goal was to get veterans to the right care as quickly as possible.

• Chairman Bost asked what steps Congress should take to restore Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) to the level veterans deserved, given recent staffing and modernization issues. Mr. Piatt responded that continued congressional support was crucial and that leveraging partnerships with VSOs would help. He suggested that it was unrealistic to expect the VA to handle the issue alone and believed that pushing for the implementation of relevant legislation would ensure veterans received the services they needed.

• Rep. Dexter asked how the Trump administration’s recent executive orders and mass firings had impacted mental health resources for transgender veterans. Church responded emotionally, stating that providers were uncertain about how to treat transgender veterans due to changing policies. They explained that transgender veterans had their birth sex returned to their medical records, exposing them to potential discrimination even in routine medical interactions. Church noted that many transgender veterans were now hesitant to seek care at VA facilities out of fear for their safety and privacy. They also cited the recent suicide of a transgender veteran in Syracuse, New York, as evidence of the crisis, stressing that ongoing policy changes were putting lives at risk.

• Rep. Tim Kennedy expressed concerns over administrative mismanagement at VA hospitals, particularly in Buffalo, New York, and criticized recent VA job cuts, citing the removal of 1,400 staff members despite an acknowledged shortage of 40,000. He condemned these cuts as "unconscionable" and argued that they were harming veterans and service-disabled workers within the VA system. He asserted that the country owed its veterans better treatment and vowed to fight against these reductions in services.

• Ranking Member Takano asked how Congress could help strengthen partnerships between the VA and advocates such as NACVSO. Mr. McLaughlin said that increased collaboration and communication across all levels of government were needed. He noted that while NACVSO had strong relationships with state and federal partners, their work remained siloed. He urged Congress to formalize relationships between federal, state, and local governments in the same way the Department of Justice coordinated with county attorneys and law enforcement.

• Ranking Member Takano asked how the Committees could best address the prevalence of gender-based harassment within the VA. Church responded that oversight was the most important action Congress could take. They urged the Committees to strengthen provisions of the Deborah Sampson Act and improve reporting mechanisms for harassment complaints. Church also noted that gender-based harassment and discrimination claims had increased by 106% in the past year, which underscored the need for improved tracking and transparency.

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