Key Takeaways
- •VSOs celebrated the VA's rescission of a controversial medication-based disability rule while calling for the immediate passage of the Major Richard Star Act to end combat-disabled retirement offsets.
- •Carol Whitmore (Commander-in-Chief, Veterans of Foreign Wars) urged Congress to "honor the contract" by expanding PACT Act benefits, mandating informed consent for psychiatric medications, and improving transition services.
- •Sen. Sullivan (R-AK) questioned Whitmore on mental health gaps in rural areas, leading to a discussion on the need for a continuum of care and alternative treatments like hyperbaric therapy.
- •Sen. Moran (R-KS) and Sen. Blumenthal (D-CT) maintained a bipartisan front on veteran issues, though witnesses warned that political ideology is increasingly influencing VA policies regarding minority veteran care.
- •Congress faces mounting pressure to fund the Major Richard Star Act and oversee the VHA’s consolidation of 18 regional networks into five to ensure direct care remains prioritized.
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Hearing Analysis
Overview
On March 3, 2026, the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a joint hearing with the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to receive the legislative priorities of major Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs). Chaired by Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and attended by Ranking Member Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), and other members, the hearing served as a platform for VSOs to advocate for specific policy changes, funding increases, and oversight of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The hearing opened with a moment of silence for six service members killed during "Operation Epic Fury," a reminder of the ongoing human cost of military service.
Key Testimony
The first panel featured Carol Whitmore, the first female Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW). Commander Whitmore’s testimony centered on the theme of "honoring the contract" between the nation and its veterans. A primary focus was the Major Richard Star Act, which seeks to end the offset that prevents medically retired combat veterans from receiving both their earned military retirement pay from the Department of Defense (DOD) and VA disability compensation. Whitmore argued that this is not "double dipping" but rather "double sacrifice," noting that the military retirement fund is sufficiently funded to cover these costs. Sen. Blumenthal announced his intention to seek unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass the act later that day.
Whitmore also addressed the implementation of the PACT Act, urging the VA to expand presumptive conditions to include exposures at Karshi-Khanabad (K2) in Uzbekistan and locations with PFAS contamination. Regarding mental health, the VFW proposed the Veteran Suicide Prevention Act and called for mandatory written informed consent for veterans prescribed psychiatric medications, citing risks of suicidal ideation. On the operational front, Whitmore and VFW Executive Director Ryan Gallucci expressed concern over a planned reorganization of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and reported staffing cuts of 1,500 doctors and 5,000 nurses, questioning the VA’s ability to "do more with less."
Policy Proposals
The second panel included representatives from several other organizations. Tammy Barlet, Vice President of Government Affairs for Student Veterans of America (SVA), advocated for treating the GI Bill as a "national talent strategy" rather than just a benefit. She called for better data matching between the VA and higher education institutions to streamline benefit certification. Scott P. Stevens, National Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV), highlighted the rise of antisemitism and supported the Fallen Service Members Religious Heritage Restoration Act to properly mark Jewish veterans' graves, with funding from the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC).
Organizations & Entities
Leah Rowe, National Executive Director for the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), requested $20 million for the DOD’s Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) for vision research related to blast trauma. She also proposed a "service dog fast pass" to streamline access for accredited guide dogs at VA facilities. Richard Fetrow, National President of the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), emphasized the need for successful completion of the VA’s Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program and supported H.R. 3455 to improve data management.
Policy Proposals
Lori M. Fenner, Senior Policy Advisor for Minority Veterans of America (MVA), provided a critical perspective on the erosion of protections for minority and LGBTQ+ veterans. She criticized the removal of reproductive healthcare counseling and the shuttering of equity assurance offices within the VA. Andrew Tangen, President of the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO), pushed for the full funding of the DOLA Act (formerly the CVSO Act) to support local government veteran service officers who provide the "human connection" necessary for successful transitions.
A recurring theme across all witnesses was the fight against "claim sharks"—unaccredited consultants who charge veterans high fees to file disability claims. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) and Rep. Takano spoke in favor of the GUARD Act, which would reinstate criminal penalties for these unaccredited actors. Witnesses argued that these predatory companies thrive because the VA’s claims process is overly fragmented and complex.
Overview
The hearing identified several organizations and their roles: the VA was the central subject of oversight regarding staffing and reorganization; the VFW and SVA provided primary legislative roadmaps; the JWV and BVA focused on specialized veteran needs; and the NACVSO highlighted the importance of local-level advocacy. Partisan dynamics were largely collaborative, with members from both parties supporting the Major Richard Star Act and the GUARD Act, though Rep. Takano and MVA witnesses raised concerns about the current administration's internal VA policies and staffing levels. The hearing concluded with a commitment from Chairman Moran to work across committees to find a path forward for the Major Richard Star Act and other VSO priorities.
Transcript
Good morning everyone. Thank you. It's all of nice of you to be here. I felt guilty as I walked in the doors to this building and didn't have to stand in line. So I apologize to all of you who did. It was uncomfortable for me, but I didn't know how to have all of you be my guest in getting through the security this morning. We're delighted to have you here and we're exceptionally pleased to have the commander, the national commander with us this morning and we're anxious to hear from the Veterans of Foreign Wars. It's good to be here soon with Chairman Bost, with Ranking Member Blumenthal, with Chairman Takano and the rest of our colleagues in this second of our joint hearings this year. I welcome our witnesses from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, including Carol Whitmore, the first female commander-in-chief of the VFW. I also welcome each of the... [Applause.] I also want to welcome each of the organizations on our second panel. Thanks to each of you for taking the time to travel to the nation's capital to come to Capitol Hill and to advocate for veterans across the country. I extend a special thanks to the veterans from Kansas who are here in person or watching from home and I look forward to meeting with the Kansans in my office this afternoon. Your advocacy, the VFW and the other VSOs, your advocacy plays a critical role in informing us of the challenges veterans face on a daily basis, whether it is healthcare issues because of toxic exposure during your service to the nation or long wait times to access care or receive the benefits that you each earned from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The role of this committee, the role of our two committees, is to make certain that the VA is improving the lives of veterans and that every veteran has access to timely, high-quality services they deserve. That promises that were made are promises that are kept. I look forward to hearing today how we can work together with each of the organizations who will testify this morning and their membership across the country to fulfill that mission. Thank you again all for being here and I now recognize the ranking member, Senator Blumenthal, for his opening remarks.
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