Why It Matters

The American Legion and allied VSOs will present legislative priorities affecting millions of veterans as the VA faces severe challenges: shedding more than 40,000 employees in fiscal 2025, while 6,398 veterans died by suicide in 2023 and more than 75,000 student veterans faced education benefits payment delays.

This hearing Joint House and Senate Legislative Presentation of the American Legion & Multi VSOs
on April 21, 2026 at 3:00 PM will directly shape veterans policy amid a crisis at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

VSOs will push for the Improving Veteran Access to Care Act, the Stuck on Hold Act, and the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act. Committee Chair Mike Bost (R-IL-12) warns he’s "beginning to worry big time" about shutdown impacts, while Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA-39) has challenged VA leadership over accountability.

Broader Context

The VA’s workforce has contracted by 40,000 employees—88 percent from the Veterans Health Administration—while veteran suicide rates climb per-capita. Critically, 61% of veterans who died by suicide weren’t receiving VA care, and only 28% of eligible women veterans use VA healthcare services.

Administrative failures compound service delivery concerns. IT glitches and staffing constraints delayed benefits for over 75,000 student veterans, while the VA denied benefits to hundreds of families of veterans who died by suicide. Some families spent five years fighting for recognition, and the VA mistakenly declared living veterans dead.

These systemic issues—staffing shortages, rising suicide rates, payment failures, and administrative mishaps—will frame VSO testimony as organizations push for stable funding and improved accountability.

The Agenda

Eight major veteran service organizations will testify on legislative priorities:

The American Legion represents millions of veterans, backing legislation on service dogs, appointment scheduling, and PTSD treatments.

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) advocates for veterans with spinal cord injuries, focusing on health evaluations and assistive devices.

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) concentrates on post-9/11 veterans’ mental health and opioid crisis prevention.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) supports military families, emphasizing survivor benefit access and VA communication improvements.

Between The Lines

Chair Mike Bost (R-IL-12) has expressed deep worry about government shutdowns harming veterans’ services, signaling committee focus on VA funding stability.

Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA-39) is taking a harder line on accountability, publicly challenging the VA Secretary over claims regarding a veteran’s death.

Several committee members have introduced legislation aligned with VSO priorities:

Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) introduced the Improving Veteran Access to Care Act and demanded accountability for G.I. Bill payment delays.

Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC) co-sponsored innovative treatment bills and warned that budget cuts could impact VA staffing.

Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) co-introduced the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act for non-traditional mental health therapies.

Competitive Landscape

VSOs maintain sustained lobbying presence on Capitol Hill. Vietnam Veterans of America spent $60,000 per quarter in 2025 on veteran healthcare and toxic exposure issues.

The eight testifying VSOs have endorsed bipartisan legislation including the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act, Improving Veteran Access to Care Act, and Stuck on Hold Act. This coordinated agenda demonstrates organized focus on healthcare access, mental health innovation, and administrative efficiency.

The Bottom Line

VSOs will present legislative priorities amid significant VA operational challenges. The hearing follows a year of workforce reductions, mental health crises, and administrative failures. Organizations will push for stable funding, improved mental healthcare, streamlined benefits delivery, and stronger accountability.

While Congress has shown bipartisan support for specific initiatives, broader questions about VA capacity and leadership performance will dominate questioning.

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