Key Takeaways
- •Witnesses and members demanded passage of the Major Richard Star Act to eliminate the "wounded veterans tax" that offsets disability compensation against retirement pay for combat-injured veterans.
- •Dan Wiley (National Commander, American Legion) identified ending veteran suicide as his top priority, advocating for alternative therapies, improved transition programs, and federal research into medicinal cannabis.
- •Rep. Takano (D-CA) questioned Wiley on a rescinded VA rule that would have cut benefits for veterans using medication, which Wiley called a "terrible idea" implemented without consultation.
- •Sen. Blumenthal (D-CT) and Rep. Takano (D-CA) criticized the VA for eliminating thousands of clinical positions, while Sen. Tillis (R-NC) expressed concerns regarding the execution of the PACT Act.
- •Committees will monitor the VA's reorganization of the Veterans Health Administration and push for expanded research into women’s health issues, including the impact of menopause on veteran suicide.
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Hearing Analysis
Key Testimony
The House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs held a joint hearing on March 4, 2026, to receive the legislative priorities of major Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), led by The American Legion. Chaired by Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS), the hearing served as a platform for VSO leadership to advocate for specific policy changes, funding increases, and oversight of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The primary focus of the testimony was the "Major Richard Star Act," suicide prevention initiatives, and the impact of recent VA staffing reductions.
National Commander Dan Wiley of The American Legion opened the testimony by emphasizing the "Be The One" campaign to reduce veteran suicide. He argued that traditional treatments like pills and therapy have been insufficient, calling for innovative therapies and the implementation of the "Written Informed Consent Act." Wiley also highlighted the need for the "Major Richard Star Act," which would allow combat-injured veterans to receive both their military retirement pay and disability compensation without the current "wounded veterans tax" offset. He noted that despite broad bipartisan support, the bill remains stalled due to procedural hurdles.
Overview
The hearing featured significant discussion regarding VA workforce management. Ranking Member Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) cited a recent New York Times report alleging the VA eliminated thousands of clinical positions despite promises to the contrary. Rep. Takano specifically criticized the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for pushing staff out, arguing that the VA’s claim that these were "COVID-era" positions was contradicted by data showing many were filled as recently as 2025. Witnesses and lawmakers expressed concern that these vacancies lead to longer wait times and reduced access to care.
Policy Proposals
Policy proposals discussed included: 1. The Major Richard Star Act: To end the offset between disability and retirement pay for medically retired combat veterans. 2. The Elizabeth Dole Act: To expand caregiver support and home-based services, with Robert Thomas of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) noting that implementation has been inconsistent. 3. The Caring for Survivors Act and Love Lives On Act: To modernize Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving families. 4. The SAVES Act: To expand evidentiary standards for disability claims, particularly for survivors of military sexual trauma. 5. The No Pain for Veterans Act: To mandate the VA include non-opioid pain management alternatives in its formulary.
Industry Impact
Industry and sector impacts are primarily centered on the healthcare and non-profit sectors. The VA’s transition to a new electronic health record (EHR) system remains a point of contention, with Paul Shipley of AMVETS and Terry Prince of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) calling for disciplined execution to ensure interoperability with the United States Department of Defense (DOD). The expansion of "community care" under the "MISSION Act" was also debated; while Commander Wiley supported veteran choice, he emphasized that the VA must remain the "center" of veteran healthcare to avoid privatization.
Policy Proposals
Partisan dynamics were notable regarding fiscal responsibility and foreign policy. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Rep. Takano criticized the administration for committing resources to a conflict in the Islamic Republic of Iran without budgeting for the long-term VA costs of new wartime veterans. Conversely, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) was identified by Rep. Takano as an opponent of the "Major Richard Star Act" due to its projected costs. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) expressed skepticism about "killing veterans with kindness" by passing laws without ensuring the VA has the resources to execute them, citing ongoing struggles with the "PACT Act" implementation.
Overview
Notable exchanges included a discussion on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in claims processing. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) warned against allowing software to make final benefit determinations. Commander Wiley agreed, stating that while AI is useful for administrative organization, it must never substitute for human judgment in adjudicating claims. Additionally, the committee addressed a recently rescinded VA rule that would have reduced disability ratings for veterans whose conditions improved through medication. Commander Wiley confirmed the Legion was not consulted prior to the rule's introduction and strongly supported its rescission.
Key Testimony
The following organizations were identified and discussed: - United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The central focus of oversight regarding staffing cuts, EHR deployment, and benefit adjudication. - The American Legion: The lead VSO presenting a comprehensive legislative agenda focused on suicide prevention and the Star Act. - National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA): Represented by Terry Prince, who advocated for $600 million in construction grants for state veterans' homes. - Wounded Warrior Project (WWP): Represented by Lt. Gen. Walter Piatt, who urged research into psychedelic-assisted therapies for PTSD and TBI. - AMVETS: Represented by Paul Shipley, who focused on TBI research and the establishment of a Family Services Center. - Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA): Represented by Robert Thomas, who highlighted the unique needs of veterans with spinal cord injuries and criticized the elimination of unfilled VA positions. - Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): Represented by Anita Sullivan, who provided testimony on the financial "cliff" faced by surviving spouses. - National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS): Mentioned regarding the need for better transition services for Guard members. - Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): Criticized by Rep. Takano for its role in VA staffing reductions.
Next steps involve continued pressure on Senate and House leadership to bring the "Major Richard Star Act" to a floor vote. Sen. Tillis pledged to convene a meeting with VSOs to address execution failures in existing programs over the next 305 days of his term.
Transcript
Good morning. [Laughter.] What did we do? Commander, I need an explanation. What did I do wrong?
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