Key Takeaways
- •VSOs and members of Congress demanded a floor vote on the Major Richard Star Act to eliminate the "wounded veterans tax" currently affecting thousands of combat-injured retirees.
- •Dan Wiley (National Commander, The American Legion) prioritized ending veteran suicide through innovative therapies and urged Congress to protect service member pay during frequent government shutdowns.
- •Rep. Mark Takano (D, CA-39) questioned Wiley on the VA's failure to consult VSOs before proposing a rescinded rule that would have reduced benefits for veterans using medication.
- •Democrats criticized VA clinical staffing cuts and insufficient funding in defense bills, while Republicans focused on the execution of existing laws and the reality of resource constraints.
- •VSOs will maintain pressure on congressional leadership to pass pending benefit expansions and monitor the impact of VA workforce reductions on veteran wait times and care.
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Hearing Analysis
Key Testimony
The Joint House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs met on March 4, 2026, to receive the annual legislative presentation of The American Legion and several other major Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs). Chaired by Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Rep. Mike Bost (R, IL-12), the hearing served as a platform for VSOs to outline their policy priorities for the second session of the 119th Congress. The primary focus of the testimony was the urgent need for the passage of the Major Richard Star Act, the ongoing crisis of veteran suicide, and significant concerns regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) workforce and infrastructure.
National Commander Dan Wiley of The American Legion delivered the lead testimony, emphasizing that the "wounded veteran's tax"—the dollar-for-dollar offset of disability compensation against military retirement pay for those medically retired with less than 20 years of service—remains a top legislative priority. Wiley argued that retirement pay is for time served while disability compensation is for harm incurred, and the two should not be conflated. He urged Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act, noting its massive bipartisan support in both chambers despite procedural hurdles. Wiley also highlighted the Legion’s "Be the One" campaign to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and praised the recent reclassification of cannabis to Schedule III, which he argued would facilitate much-needed research into alternative therapies for PTSD and chronic pain.
A significant portion of the hearing was dedicated to a recent New York Times report alleging that the VA, under Secretary Collins, had eliminated over 10,000 clinical positions, including thousands of doctors and nurses. Ranking Member Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ranking Member Rep. Mark Takano (D, CA-39) were sharply critical of these cuts, arguing they contradict the VA's stated mission to expand care under the PACT Act. Rep. Takano noted that 73 percent of these eliminated positions were filled as recently as 2025 or 2026, debunking claims that they were merely "unneeded COVID-era roles." The VSOs echoed these concerns, with Robert Thomas, National President of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), stating that staffing deficiencies are undermining specialized services for veterans with spinal cord injuries.
Overview
The second panel featured leaders from several other VSOs. Paul Shipley, National Commander of AMVETS, called for a coordinated national veteran strategy focused on measurable outcomes rather than just increased spending. He specifically advocated for the BEACON Act and the Veterans TBI Adaptive Care Opportunities Nationwide Act to address traumatic brain injuries. Terry Prince, President of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA), requested $600 million for state veterans home construction and urged the passage of H.R. 1970 to help state homes cover high-cost medications. Anita Sullivan, representing the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), advocated for the Caring for Survivors Act and the Love Lives On Act to modernize Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving families.
Partisan dynamics were evident throughout the hearing. While both parties expressed support for the Major Richard Star Act, Democrats like Sen. Blumenthal and Rep. Takano blamed Republican leadership and Senate procedures for blocking the bill. Conversely, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) was cited as an opponent due to concerns over the bill's cost relative to defense spending. Additionally, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Rep. Takano raised alarms about the current military conflict in Iran, questioning whether the administration had budgeted for the long-term "cost of war" and the lifetime of VA care that new veterans would require.
Policy Proposals
Notable exchanges included Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) raising concerns about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in VA claims processing. She warned against allowing software to replace human judgment in determining benefits. Commander Wiley agreed, stating that while AI is useful for administrative organization, a human must remain in the decision tree for adjudications. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) discussed his "305 days" project, expressing a desire to focus on the execution of existing laws like the PACT Act rather than just passing new legislation that might fail in implementation.
Key Testimony
The organizations identified in the hearing were discussed in the following contexts: - United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The central focus of oversight regarding staffing cuts, suicide prevention programs, and the implementation of the PACT Act. - The American Legion: Presented its 2026 legislative agenda, focusing on the Major Richard Star Act and the "Be the One" suicide prevention campaign. - United States Navy: Mentioned regarding the service of witnesses and the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act. - United States Department of Defense (DOD): Discussed in the context of the transition process (TAP) and the need for better health record sharing with the VA. - National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA): Advocated for increased funding for state veterans homes and cemeteries. - Wounded Warrior Project (WWP): Represented on the second panel to discuss mental health and TBI initiatives. - Mission Roll Call: Provided testimony on community-based suicide prevention and veteran engagement. - AMVETS: Focused on TBI research, the Major Richard Star Act, and the need for a national veteran strategy. - United States Air Force: Referenced as the branch of service for Commander Wiley. - Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA): Highlighted the need for specialized spinal cord injury care and the Disabled Veterans Dignity Act. - National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS): Represented on the second panel to discuss the unique needs of Guard members. - Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): Advocated for survivor benefit reforms and the Love Lives On Act. - Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA): Discussed regarding high remand rates and the need for the Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act. - Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina: Mentioned by Sen. Tillis regarding their recent federal recognition and high rate of military service.
Transcript
Good morning. [Laughter.] Commander, I need an explanation, what did I do wrong?
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