“Believe in all Sides Coming Together for the Good of All – especially the Veterans.”
The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Sons of the American Legion are the voice for our military veterans and servicemembers. Please stay up-to-date on all issues affecting our veterans and current servicemembers. It is so very simple to submit written emails to your elected officials. Once you visit and complete the easy steps listed below, you can hit ‘submit’ and automatically an email is sent to your elected officials on the topics you select.
We the members of the American Legion family can be the voice for our military veterans and servicemembers by staying informed and contact your elected officials on all issues affecting our veterans and current service members. You might wonder how; but it is very simple to submit written emails to your elected officials. Once you visit and complete the easy steps listed below, you can hit ‘submit’ and automatically an email is sent to your elected officials on the topics you select.
The American Legion’s Grassroots Action Center provides updates and alerts of legislation of interest to the organization. Visit www.legion.org/legislative to learn about bills and contact congressional delegations.
The American Legion’s 2025 Legislative Priorities for the 119th Congress, 1st Session are divided into four parts: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation; National Security; Veterans Employment & Education; and Americanism
The American Legion Legislative Agenda – 119th Congress, 1st Session
Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
The war within
Suicide remains a top issue in the veteran community. The suicide rate among veterans is nearly double that of civilian counterparts. It is imperative that we simultaneously destigmatize mental health assistance, while increasing access. The American Legion encourages Congress to robustly fund VA’s suicide prevention outreach budget and peer support programs. We encourage all Americans to “Be the One” who is willing, ready, and able to have a difficult conversation about suicide and other mental health issues.
VA benefits protection, enhancement
The Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is vital for veterans with service-connected disabilities that prevent them from obtaining full-time employment. The Congressional Budget Office has proposed to phase out this benefit within the next five years for veterans 67 and older. TDIU should be based on a veteran’s ability and not based on age.
The Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for eligible surviving spouses is substantially lower than benefits received by survivors of federal civil service retirees or employees. These benefits need to be increased comparable to civil service benefits.
Predatory claims companies target veterans and charge exorbitant fees for their services. Congress needs to enact legislation with stiff penalties against these companies.
Community care balance
There needs to be accessible healthcare in all communities, particularly rural areas. The VA should remain the cornerstone of veteran care.
Electronic Health Record Modernization
This project will provide seamless electronic health record from the beginning of military service throughout a veteran’s life. However, this remains a work in progress and rollouts of the system was delayed until 2025.
Quality of Compensation & Pension examinations
There is concern on the poor quality of VA-contracted C&P exams. Congress must ensure that VA holds its vendors to higher standards and with mandatory quality reviews and severe penalties for non-compliance.
Support for survivors –there are two priorities of the American Legion:
To allow the spouses of the fallen to keep their benefits when they remarry and to raise military survivor benefits to align with those offered by other federal programs, addressing disparities and ensuring equitable support.
More sections cover Claims and appeals, Alternative therapies, Toxic exposure (PACT Act), CAVC judgeship expansion, and Federal employees as veteran advocates.
National Security
Military quality of life
Congress and the DoD must continue to improve quality-of-life conditions for servicemembers and military families.
Border security
Unfortunately, U.S. Border Patrol retention and recruiting rates are dropping and suicide rates among Border Patrol agents have risen rapidly. We implore our lawmakers to work together on behalf of Americans and Border Patrol agents to improve national security.
More sections cover Lethality of the U.S. Armed Forces, Funding the State Department and foreign operations, Protect Coast Guard pay and entitlements, Full accountability of POW/MIAs
Veterans Employment & Education
End Veteran homelessness
To effectively address veteran homelessness, policies must include comprehensive support for at risk and homeless veterans, including counseling, assistance in accessing care and benefits, financial and career resources, and business development opportunities.
Veterans in federal contracting
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small businesses (SDVOSBs)
More sections cover Modernize the Transition Assistance Program, Va Home Loan transferability, National Guard and Reserve GI Bill parity.
Americanism
Protection of the U. S. flag and Modernize U. S. Flag Code
https://www.legion-aux.org/advocacy
Department Award:
ANGIE’S SUPERHEROES LEGISLATIVE PLAQUE – to the Unit for the best overall participation in the Legislative Program.
Personal Awards:
- $10 to the runner up of Angie’s Superheroes Plaque
- $10 to the Unit with the MOST MEMBERS TOTAL receiving replies from their legislators, both National, State, and Local as reported to this chairman.
Use this QR Code to go to the American Legion’s Grassroots Action Center:
Linda Iberg | ibergmom@gmail.com | 618-973-3568
Resources from National
- Log into the National Website to Access these Items: Click Here
Department Resources