▶ 0:15:15Chair Bost: Good morning to everyone. Thank you all for being here. I would like to welcome my senate colleagues, chairman moran, ranking member blumenthal . Before we get started, I would like to acknowledge our visitors present from the greatest state, the state of illinois. Anyone out there? All right.
▶ 0:15:43Chair Bost: Just so you know, I said this yesterday, I'm from southern illinois, which is a little different as far as illinois is concerned. If you are from southern illinois, you capitalize the s. Not a separate statement due to sometimes we feel that way. I want to thank you all for traveling here from illinois. I know that is not an easy travel, I do that on a regular basis. If you would, could you please stand, those of you that can. Thanks for being here.
▶ 0:16:13Chair Bost: [applause] and it is an honor to be here with all of you, my fellow legionnaires. I'm a marine veteran. Notice we marines say that hoorah. The army people say a different. I'm a proud member of murfreesboro post 127.
▶ 0:16:43Chair Bost: Although we are busy I want to tell you something interesting about murfreesboro post 127. It is the paul stout post. Paul stout was actually, thought as a marine in bella wood, then in the battle of bella, he was a private.
▶ 0:17:06Chair Bost: On his 100th anniversary of his death, we at the paul stout post, we have a local craft brewery, they made a paul stout. It was wonderful to do that. I am very happy to talk to you about my post. Before you check, I want you to know, I have my dues paid up. My dues are paid.
▶ 0:17:39Chair Bost: The american legion has a dutiful work on behalf of those who have served our country. For more than 100 years. And it is a privilege to be a part of that organization. That being said, I also want to welcome Mr. james lacoursiere, national commander of the american legion, and his spouse lisa. Thank you for being here.
▶ 0:18:03Chair Bost: [applause] I am looking forward to continuing our partnership to better serve veterans across the U.S. the american legion does an outstanding job of sharing their perspective and concerns of their members with our committee. Our work here on the committee is greatly assisted by their dedication to the mission.
▶ 0:18:32Chair Bost: It is our honor, it's an honor for me to be here today serving as house committee veterans affairs in the chair. It's my second term as chair, and I never thought this corporal would ever have an opportunity to do that. This mission of the va committee has always been personal for me.
▶ 0:18:53Chair Bost: If you were around yesterday when we had the other panelists before us, you know, my father and his brothers were all army, korean war, grandfather in the navy, second world war, grandfather who was a marine, korean war, uncle who was a marine, vietnam, a victim of the ultimate oxymoron, friendly fire. He did survive and is doing very well today thanks to a lot of help from the va.
▶ 0:19:26Chair Bost: Then me, noncombat marine. My son, who is a lt. Col. Today, reservist, active for many years. He is a jag in the court. My grandson who just got out of the court, f-18 mechanic. As you can see, it is personal to me when it comes to our veterans.
▶ 0:19:54Chair Bost: Every time I sit at the dais, and we are getting into debate, whether it is with the va or the other side of the aisle, I'm always thinking of the veterans. I told the store yesterday and I will tell it to you. If you have ever been around here do you see, see me walking up and down the halls, seeing me here, I wear this bracelet. This bracelet has the colors of my core.
▶ 0:20:21Chair Bost: It was given to me by a vietnam veteran, honest to goodness, he just went by lieutenant dan. Lieutenant dan gave it to me 11 years ago whenever he found out that I was going to be on the va committee. He said, mike, I want to give you this, a couple of them. If you wear them all the time, you will get them dirty, wear them out. He said I want you to wear it because I want you to look down and remember who you are serving.
▶ 0:20:52Chair Bost: And that way I don't forget. I don't think I would forget anyway, but this helps. For me, it's about the veteran, not about protecting government bureaucracy. And I know the sacrifices each of you have made. Each of you has fought to protect our constitutional rights.
▶ 0:21:13Chair Bost: We had many important accomplishments last congress but many issues still remain, and I'm grateful for this opportunity to learn more about what we as congress can help our nation's veterans do. Veterans should have the freedom to use the benefits of va operate in exchange for their service to meet their individual needs. And they shouldn't be spending hours driving in their cars to get them.
▶ 0:21:44Chair Bost: Or combing through wonky paperwork for months on end, or needlessly waiting for a phone call to get a simple answer. We know where the va is falling short, as do I, and you know we need to push the agency to bring it out of the stone age and into the new age.
▶ 0:22:03Chair Bost: You have my commitment that as long as I'm in charge we will continue to fight for you and the voices you represent, the hundreds of thousands of veterans outside this D.C. beltway who just want their health care on time and their benefits when they need them. This old corporal takes this mission seriously, and I know my friend and our new secretary of the va, doug collins, does, too.
▶ 0:22:36Chair Bost: Under president trump's leadership, I know we are going to put you, the veteran and the va services back at the center of the va mission. And when the bureaucrats try to get in the way, I will continue to be the first to hold them accountable and get answers for you. We made great progress with the passage of the dole act and I'm incredibly grateful to the american legion for their support in getting this bill across the finish line.
▶ 0:23:03Chair Bost: And I'm committed to improving va's ability to hold their employees accountable so that the veterans have access to world-class care. I'm grateful to the american legion for their support of the restore accountability act of 2025 which would do just that.
▶ 0:23:24Chair Bost: We must deliver for our veterans to protect their health care choice, expand economic and education opportunities, and streamlined benefits, and get it done. I promise to keep up the fight. We are all in together. Now, it is time to take -- not type to take our foot off the gas. I look forward to completing our mission alongside of you. Once again, thank you for being here today.
▶ 0:23:52Chair Bost: I want to now recognize chairmen moran for his opening statement.
▶ 0:23:56Chair Moran: Mr. chairman, thank you. As I said yesterday, please to be with colleagues from the house, senate as we examine the desires of a number of vsos for their agenda for this new congress. I thank you for the commander, thank you for your presence this morning, all the american legion accompanying witnesses. I recognize the role that the american legion plays at home in kansas and here in washington, D.C.
▶ 0:24:24Chair Moran: As we advocate for the well-being of veterans today and in the future. I welcome many kansans in the audience, those at home paying attention to this hearing today. I want to thank the american legion for their -- many of the folks on the second panel -- for their support for the senator elizabeth dole 21st century veterans healthcare and benefits improvement act. We must make certain that we don't just pass legislation but it is implemented in a way that actually serves veterans.
▶ 0:24:55Chair Moran: We are continuing to make certain that we take every step to make certain that is the case in this legislation. The american legion and others testify here today have also extend their support for the access act, precision brain health research act, veteran second amendment protection act, national guard g.I. Bill parity act, all of which have been introduced in this congress.
▶ 0:25:18Chair Moran: As I said yesterday, the policies and programs we will discuss today will depend on a strong and effective workforce of the va to deliver the care and benefits veterans deserve. I'm committed to working with the vsos, american legion and others, colleagues on this panel to make certain the necessary va workforce is preserved as the va implements new federal workforce guidance.
▶ 0:25:38Chair Moran: Va must be forthcoming and transparent with congress, vsos, and the public about how it's implementing workforce changes, and work to avoid or correct actions that could undermine veteran access to care and benefits. Thank you again, cmdr. Lacoursiere for being here. I look forward to your testimony. I yield back.
▶ 0:26:00Chair Bost: Thank you, senator. I now recognize ranking member takano for his opening statement.
▶ 0:26:07Rep. Takano: Thank, Mr. chairman. Today we continue our annual series of joint hearings. I am pleased to welcome our first panel, national commander, representatives of the american legion, as well as our second panel, representatives five minority veterans of america, jewish war veterans, national association of county veteran service officers, military officers association of america, national association of state directors of veterans affairs,
▶ 0:26:37Rep. Takano: The institute for veterans and military families at syracuse university, and the. -- wounded warrior project. I want to welcome the welcome to the national commander james lacoursiere from connecticut, national auxiliary president from kansas. Before I begin my remarks, I have to ask, are there any californians in the room this morning? Right on. Thank you.
▶ 0:27:10Rep. Takano: These hearings are important because they are a great opportunity for us to hear from the vsos about issues impacting veterans and their daily lives. It was at these hearings in 2022, when the vsos stood in solidarity, calling on congress to pass the honoring our pact act. Without you, we would never pass the largest expansion of veterans health care in benefits since the vietnam war.
▶ 0:27:36Rep. Takano: Without you, millions of veterans would still be struggling to access health care or the toxic exposures they experienced in service to our country. I will always be grateful to the vsos for helping us get it done. As I've said all along, the pact act was never meant to be a one and done. There is still so much more work to be done because the pact was not only about toxic exposure.
▶ 0:28:02Rep. Takano: It was also about our promise to ensure that veterans have access to their care and benefits, that we do everything we can to end veteran homelessness and veteran suicide, address new categories of illness and injury associated with military service. For example, blast injury and traumatic brain injury.
▶ 0:28:24Rep. Takano: Finally, achieve guard and reserve parity, ensure va is welcoming to all veterans who have earned the right to be there, ensure that va's infrastructure can support its mission and so much more. Unfortunately, I'm not optimistic under this administration. I have grave concerns about how president trump's executive orders are being carried out across the federal government, most especially at the department of veterans affairs and how they will impact veterans.
▶ 0:28:50Rep. Takano: We learned on monday, va indiscriminately fired an additional 1400 employees. That means we have lost more than 2400 va employees just in the last two weeks, many of them veterans. This doesn't even account for the folks that took the questionable fork in the road by out offer. I question how purging the workforce, firing the watchdogs, and making va hostile to certain veterans is helping va serve veterans better.
▶ 0:29:21Rep. Takano: I think serving veterans is why we are all here. It is certainly why I am here, why I serve on this committee. Because I think there is no higher calling or honor to serve those who have served. Since he was sworn in, I've requested information from secretary collins about his implementation of the executive orders and his employment actions against the va employees, none of which he has responded to. This is very troubling.
▶ 0:29:48Rep. Takano: I'm also concerned about the administration's attacks on inclusion and accessibility and its focus on intentional exclusion. President trump's remarks are making va a less welcoming place for millions of veterans. In fact, one of his first actions was to close the vba office of equity assurance. The office tasked with eliminating disparities in the award of disability benefits as a product of discrimination.
▶ 0:30:17Rep. Takano: It is absolutely necessary having a negative impact on access to care and benefits for our nation's most underserved veterans. This administration has turned dei into a bogeyman to distract from the fact that they have no real solutions to the issues that americans are struggling with.
▶ 0:30:37Rep. Takano: Whether it is eggs and gas getting more expensive and not cheaper, medicare and social security at greater risk than ever before, and this administration is too focused on tax breaks and elon musk and his billionaire friends to care. The chairman is quick to claim that we want to choose bureaucracy over veterans. I dispute that claim. What about the veterans that lost their job to the trump administration's indiscriminate firings of federal employees?
▶ 0:31:06Rep. Takano: What about the black veterans unable to access va home loans due to redlining? What about women veterans whose service is still not valued as much as their male peers and are now worried about the loss of gender specific care at va? What about the lgbtq+ veterans whose health is in jeopardy because of this administration's denial of their very existence? Ensure of the institution is there to serve veterans is putting veterans first.
▶ 0:31:33Rep. Takano: It's our job to ensure access to world-class health care and benefits to all veterans who have earned that right. I take that responsibility very seriously. It is my hope that I can count on the vso community to help us hold va accountable to all veterans and that you will also hold congress accountable by making sure we walk the talk.
▶ 0:31:55Rep. Takano: That we are carrying out our constitutional oversight responsibilities by asking tough questions, demanding answers, and taking legislative action when needed. We cannot we were in this because we know that veterans are depending on us. Thank you, Mr. chairman. I yield back.
▶ 0:32:13Chair Bost: I now yield to the ranking member of the senate, Mr. blumenthal, for his opening statement.
▶ 0:32:20Sen. Blumenthal: Thank you, Mr. chairman. I'm honored to be here with fellow legionnaires. Thank you all for coming today. The record will reflect that we are standing room only today. Some of the folks who attended had to be siphoned to a different room. You're being here sends a powerful message about how much you care and how you will be a voice for veterans.
▶ 0:32:49Sen. Blumenthal: We can make the speeches from this platform but you are the ones who get it done. I am proud to be a member of the american legion in connecticut. Very proud to welcome my fellow legionnaire, james lacoursiere, your wife lisa, and all of your family. We know in the military and in the vsos, families serve, spouses, children serve as well as we do.
▶ 0:33:19Sen. Blumenthal: Of course, to my colleague, thank you for being here to do the introduction. We know that service in the military these days is very much a matter -- less than 1% of our entire population these days has anything to do with service in the military.
▶ 0:33:38Sen. Blumenthal: My two sons who have served, my four children, my son matthew some of you know, marine corps veteran, served as an infantry officer in afghanistan. My other son michael, navy seal. They come by it because they have looked to you as role models. I am very proud to have been in the marine corps reserve myself.
▶ 0:34:07Sen. Blumenthal: Service in the vsos, advocacy for veterans is a bipartisan task. Let me stress, it always has been, and always will be. I am proud to serve with senator moran and introduce with him recently the national guard and guarded gi bill parity act which would expand the gi's ability to guard and reserve members every day in uniform on account for
▶ 0:34:37Sen. Blumenthal: Those kinds of well-earned benefits. With senator bozeman, the caring for survivors act, which would increase the dependency and indemnity compensation payments to surviving spouses. We have to continue that bipartisan tradition. I want to thank the veteran service organizations for blowing the whistle on what is happening these days.
▶ 0:35:09Sen. Blumenthal: Literally every day. You heard some of them from representative takano. I quoted yesterday from the veterans of foreign wars, commander live commander livppart, who said the administration is engaged in indiscriminate firings of veterans in the government workforce.
▶ 0:35:36Sen. Blumenthal: I'm also calling on vfw members to march forth and join me on march 4 when he will be testifying. And I'm quoting him. I want to see hats in the hallways of our capital as our legislative committee members engage with lawmakers in demanding that they honor the contract the government made with those who have already served and sacrificed so much for america and their fellow americans. It is time to apply pressure and stop the bleeding, end quote.
▶ 0:36:11Sen. Blumenthal: That is on us, all of us, to be there for our veterans, to be their voice and face, in protesting the 2400 firings that have already occurred at the va, across the government 6000 veterans have been fired from their jobs in government agencies. Just last night, the secretary of the va announced cancellation of 875 contracts worth $2 billion.
▶ 0:36:42Sen. Blumenthal: He began his message, quote, " I got some big news for you." then he had a happy talk video which assured us, no problem, nothing to see here. We are all just consulting contracts. In fact, I have a spreadsheet. I am going to ask, if there is no objection, Mr.
▶ 0:37:11Sen. Blumenthal: Chairman, that be made part of our record.
▶ 0:37:13Chair Bost: Without objection.
▶ 0:37:16Sen. Blumenthal: This is a partial list, partial list of those 875 contracts that provide direct service to veterans for cancer care, for recruiting of doctors, for decontamination of facilities that are polluted. This list was provided to my office by officials from within the va. It doesn't contain procurement sensitive information.
▶ 0:37:46Sen. Blumenthal: It is a description of some of those contracts and input from va officials on why they are needed to help serve veterans and taxpayers. And I'm asking the secretary to provide us with a clean copy, full copy, full disclosure and transparency. And I will ask that it be made part of the record when it is furnished.
▶ 0:38:10Chair Bost: Without objection.
▶ 0:38:12Sen. Blumenthal: I have asked a bunch of questions, representative takano has. I have yet to receive answers. Let me conclude by saying, and I will quote the va secretary in his video.
▶ 0:38:27Sen. Blumenthal: "don't let nameless sources, even senators and house members who want to scare you and media, who want to perpetuate the logging, we are taking care of the veterans." that is belied by those cuts, hiring freezes, firings occurring in real time, right now.
▶ 0:38:51Sen. Blumenthal: They are having a real impact in connecticut, where veterans are coming to me and singing, for example, the veterans crisis line has been impacted. Making a difference in people's lives. Saving veterans from potential suicide.
▶ 0:39:11Sen. Blumenthal: I want to thank all of you for being here today and providing that kind of face and voice which is so essential in making sure that our veterans are represented, that their interests are protected, and that we stop the bleeding. Thank you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 0:39:30Chair Bost: Thank you, ranking member. Once again, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are choosing to put fear over facts. Last night, they erroneously announced the va is canceling 875 contracts, hoping to create panic and score political points. Contracts should be reviewed if they are outdated, redundant, or ineffective. That is good government. You want good government.
▶ 0:40:01Chair Bost: This is about responsible stewardship to each one of you as a veteran who have fought, to make sure the facilities and the va is providing for your needs at the best possible dollar. Because not only are you veterans, you are taxpayers. Not only are you taxpayers, but you have also fought for this country to make sure it remains free.
▶ 0:40:25Chair Bost: If we don't sensibly handle our budget in this nation, and china owns our debt, will have all fought for not. Think about that. Last night, secretary collins announced termination of contracts amounting to $2 billion. While we don't know the number of terminated contracts, it is not 875. In reviewing the contract is a best practice that we all should support. You would do it in your household. Lie in the world would we do it at the va?
▶ 0:40:57Chair Bost: One, because it usually make something work better. And two, it usually makes room for something better to take its place. He is about ensuring every dollar spent by the va directly supports veterans, not wasteful bureaucracy. On a couple of other issues.
▶ 0:41:19Chair Bost: When those who have received the slips of being laid off, receive those slips, in the slip, it says if you think your job is essential, you can appeal to your supervisor and immediately have a review. There is due process in place to make sure that no one is lost through that process.
▶ 0:41:41Chair Bost: When it comes to the hotline for our veterans experiencing the fear of possibly committing suicide, there were a few backroom employees that unfortunately were included in that list and they were already put back on the job. We are doing the thing that we need to do for you as veterans and for U.S. taxpayers. With that, we need to move on with the committee.
▶ 0:42:11Chair Bost: I want to now yield to our friend and colleague, representative courtney, to introduce the american legion commander.
▶ 0:42:19Rep. Courtney: Thank you, chairman bost, senator moran, ranking member blumenthal, friend and colleague from connecticut, representative takano. It's a great privilege and honor to be here today to introduce the national commander of the american legion, james lacoursiere, constituent from plainfield, connecticut, second congressional district, and also a good friend. We have known each other for many years. An exciting moment for connecticut.
▶ 0:42:47Rep. Courtney: It's been 71 years since a legionnaire from connecticut has held the position as national commander. He is somebody who has got here the old-fashioned way, really earned it. Air force veteran, served in 1980, served overseas in grenada, lebanon, -- honorably discharged. After he left the service, begin a 27-year journey to get to where he is today as national commander.
▶ 0:43:16Rep. Courtney: His post on the one in plainfield, connecticut is a very activist post, very healthy post in terms of membership, put out a lot of veterans events in the district. Actually connecticut, eastern connecticut has the highest concentration of veterans in new england. We are a district that has the oldest marine base in america, groton submarine base, 9000 sailors and officers.
▶ 0:43:46Rep. Courtney: Sometimes people don't think of new england as a high concentration veteran area but the opposite is true. As I said of jim, both his local commander and also working at the state department, american legion in connecticut, just been a really passionate advocate for advancing the goals both at the state level at hartford and here in washington, D.C.
▶ 0:44:11Rep. Courtney: Even more importantly, we have worked together on individual casework with veterans who have been struggling in terms of getting the help that they need. I cannot think of a better person to really take on the tough job of leading this great organization, the american legion. A lot of people are cynical these days obviously about washington, D.C. they think the only way that you can get things done is by hiring lobbyists or having super pac's.
▶ 0:44:40Rep. Courtney: The american legion is the true rebuttal of that in terms of grassroots advocacy, with individual members coming to members of congress' office to advocate year in, year out. We heard from many of the speeches this morning. There has been some really tremendous success that defies conventional wisdom that you can never change anything here in washington. Again, it's my honor to introduce and yield to jim.
▶ 0:45:09Rep. Courtney: Wish him all the best in terms of his service in the next year as national commander. Again, I think he will do great things for our country. With that, I yield back.
▶ 0:45:19Chair Bost: Thank you, congressman courtney. [applause] I would now like to recognize cmdr. Lacoursiere to introduce the individuals on the panel.
▶ 0:45:40Chair Bost: >> jim is joined today by julia mathis from the legislative department of the american legion, director cole lyle from the va, chairman jay bowen also from the va, chairman matthew jabaut from the great state of maine, director joseph sharp, chairman matt truman of legislative. Welcome to all of them for being here this morning.
▶ 0:46:05Chair Bost: Thank you all for being here. [applause] commander, you are now recognized for 10 minutes for your opening statement.
▶ 0:46:16Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Thank you, chairman bost. Thank you for the very kind introduction, congressman courtney. I would also like to give a special shout out to senator richard blumenthal also from connecticut. Chairman bost, before I begin with your permission, I would like to introduce a few very important people to me.
▶ 0:46:41Cmdr. Lacoursiere: American legion auxiliary national president trish ward of kansas. American legion national officers serving with me this year, passed national commanders of the american legion. Lastly, my incredible wife lisa.
▶ 0:46:56Cmdr. Lacoursiere: [applause] chairman bost, ranking member takano, chairman moran, ranking member blumenthal, on behalf of the nearly 3 million members of the american legion family who proudly serve communities, states, and our nation every day, we deeply appreciate the opportunity to discuss our
▶ 0:47:26Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Legislative priorities for the 119th congress. Your to stickers committees focus almost exclusively on our nation sacred obligation to ensure that veterans of the united states armed forces receive the best health care, disability benefits, and respect they deserve after their service. But what I want to put that obligation into a slightly different context. It begins with military service.
▶ 0:47:54Cmdr. Lacoursiere: We are all aware of the recruiting challenges our services have faced in recent years. One frequently stated reason frequently points to our work in support for veterans. A propensity to serve. Military service is an important commitment. A major part of the american legion's purpose is to make sure that commitment provides worthwhile during and after time spent in uniform.
▶ 0:48:20Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Over the decades, the american legion has fought to establish and provide continuous oversight for the department of veterans affairs, to ensure care for all who have borne the battle. We drafted and fought for the gi bill and to improve it regularly over the years so it stays relevant for new generations. To empower those who serve with opportunities to succeed.
▶ 0:48:45Cmdr. Lacoursiere: We created a network of accredited service officers to represent veterans in matters with the va. To ensure that veterans understand the laws that have been passed to help them with health care and disability benefits they earned and deserve. The american legion demanded accountability for those who were sickened or died due to toxic exposure. And we worked to reduce any stigma associated with seeking mental health care.
▶ 0:49:15Cmdr. Lacoursiere: The american legion believes each one of us can and must be the one to help just one other veteran overcome suicide risk. Peer to peer support. Put simply, it is what we do. If we fail to live up to these important covenants, the fate of a grateful nation to those who have sacrificed so much simply falls flat. Young people have been told that military service will leave them broken or unsupported in the end.
▶ 0:49:47Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Think twice about their propensity to serve at all. And that is a matter of national security. We need to change the narrative. We can change the narrative. Service in the united states armed forces is hard enough. That service should not create unnecessary hardships. We stand by federal efforts to create a more efficient, cost-effective va.
▶ 0:50:14Cmdr. Lacoursiere: We must also look closely at connection that could be made better before discharge, because they weigh heavily on life afterward. Among our legislation priorities, as has been the case for many years, completion and implementation of electronic health records management system that documents deployment and medical history from the day of enlistment throughout a veterans life.
▶ 0:50:40Cmdr. Lacoursiere: As chairman bost has stated, veterans are also taxpayers, and billions of our taxpayer dollars have been spent on this. The result has been delays, unsuccessful pilot programs, flawed infrastructure, and the continued inability of the department of defense and va to make a transition seamless as possible for those leaving service and entering their lives as veterans.
▶ 0:51:09Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Another concern we hear continuously from the newest generation is the ineffectiveness of an outdated transition assistance program, also known as taps. Members of the armed forces deserve the chance to convert their military training and skills into meaningful postservice careers. And that takes an effect of outcome driven programming.
▶ 0:51:33Cmdr. Lacoursiere: A program that takes into account all the challenges of transition, from financial knowledge to career opportunity to mental health services. Otherwise, all that training and although skills that the united states invested in the service members are left behind, when they could be helping to drive the united states economy forward. Veterans love to contract -- confront difficult conditions without proper preparations are at risk for a number of bad outcomes.
▶ 0:52:03Cmdr. Lacoursiere: But the list of which is suicide. According to the va's own research, veterans are most at risk for suicide in the first 12 months after discharge. In research has shown financial strain accounts for 20% of the top 20 risk factors for suicide.
▶ 0:52:24Cmdr. Lacoursiere: A hard look at tap, which needs to begin earlier for those nearing separation can lead to a stronger model that would ease transition, and advance the propensity to serve. Military service becomes more worthwhile pursuit when the rewards of that service are valuable. Chairman bost, there may be no greater incentive to serve in the united states armed forces than the g.I. Bill.
▶ 0:52:53Cmdr. Lacoursiere: There were 10 planks in the original g.I. Bill, not just free college tuition, also included were health care, the ability to affordably purchase a home, business opportunities, and occupational training for the severely disabled, so they could reenter civilian life empowered with purpose. Many said the g.I. Bill would break the treasury. In fact, it returned seven dollars for every taxpayer dollar invested.
▶ 0:53:23Cmdr. Lacoursiere: It built the american middle class, which our nation has enjoyed for over half a century, and still enjoys today. And now as we continue to seek congressional action to provide g.I. Bill parity for national guard and reserve veterans, we must ask, why wouldn't we? All we have is proof that it works. We can change the narrative about the outcomes of military service.
▶ 0:53:51Cmdr. Lacoursiere: We can change it with tangible steps such as highly efficient va health care and benefit systems that are easier to access and navigate, regardless of whether you live in a big city or in rural kansas or illinois, using telehealth, community providers, or traditional va facilities. Mental health support without stigmatization, advance will we call posttraumatic growth, to empower those to not only recover but to thrive.
▶ 0:54:24Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Attack program in g.I. Bill that truly lives up to the promises our nation has made to those who have chosen the path of military service. A propensity to serve simply means understanding the value of a commitment and my fellow legionnaires have made. It is a lifelong commitment and we are all proud of our service. Because we know america is worth it.
▶ 0:54:53Cmdr. Lacoursiere: We are duty-bound as veterans who believe in a strong america, to do all we can to show that worth. In the american legion, we don't just talk about these issues, we live them. So far, our academic partner, columbia university, the american legion, has trained more than 12,000 people nationwide to identify risk for veteran suicide and take the right steps to prevent it through our be the one mission.
▶ 0:55:23Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Last year, american legion service officers helped more than 1.2 million veterans, free of charge with their va disability claims, resulted in $21 billion in awarded claims to veterans. Each year, the american legion at the local, state, and national levels is involved with more than 1100 career events to help veterans and families in transition.
▶ 0:55:53Cmdr. Lacoursiere: The american legion family also spends millions of volunteer hours and donates millions of dollars annually to support va facilities nationwide. We also mentor thousands of young people each year and award millions of dollars in scholarships to help them become productive, responsible citizens. And when natural disaster strikes from hurricanes in the carolinas to wildfires in los angeles, our members lean into harms way and provide relief.
▶ 0:56:24Cmdr. Lacoursiere: American legion family squadrons, units, final partners in recovery from disaster for over a century. Like you, we all took an oath to support and defend the constitution of the united states of america. We work with our government of this great nation that pledged our lives to defend because we want to see america continue to prosper.
▶ 0:56:53Cmdr. Lacoursiere: On behalf of the nation's largest veteran service organization, I thank you for the opportunity to share these thoughts with you and look forward to working with this new congress, especially as we draw near to the 250th anniversary of our great nation's independence. Chairman bost, chairman moran, I thank you for the opportunity to address your critical committees, and I look forward to answering your questions, you are other members may have. Thank you. [applause]
▶ 0:57:47Chair Moran: Cmdr. Lacoursiere, thank you for your very forceful testimony, your presence and your colleagues here today. We are going to have a round of three-minute questions. I would ask my colleagues because of the length of the day that we work hard to stay within that three minutes. I now recognize myself for that first three minutes.
▶ 0:58:11Chair Moran: Commander, are you hearing concerns from veterans whose conditions are not covered by presumption of service connection or whose locations or years of service are not included in the existing presumptions? If so, are you voicing these concerns to the va, and what are you being told by the department of veterans affairs?
▶ 0:58:33Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Chairman moran, the american legion cares deeply about this, how it impacts our veterans. To give you a more clear response, I would like to turn over to director cole lyle.
▶ 0:58:47Mr. Lyle: Thank you, commander, Mr. chairman. The american legion obviously lobbied very hard for the passage of the pact act. I think the greatest mechanism that the pact act created was the va bloody -- ability for the va to presume presumptive conditions in a faster, timelier manner so that we don't get into another agent or in situation where veterans have to wait years and decades to receive the benefits and benefits they
▶ 0:59:19Mr. Lyle: Reserve from specific conditions. I am not aware of any specific conditions not currently covered by the list of presumptives under the pact act, but I'm happy to take that for the record.
▶ 0:59:31Chair Moran: Thank you for your answer. Let me follow up with a reminder that title ii to the pact act established a new framework to make decisions regarding new presumptions of service connection which hopefully intended to make it easier for non-toxic exposed veterans to file for, receive disability compensation.
▶ 0:59:54Chair Moran: Over two years after the enactment of the pact act, I would ask if the va is utilizing that process and consultation with you and other vsos to give you the opportunity to provide that?
▶ 1:00:05Mr. Lyle: Thank you, Mr. chairman. The va is supposed to have orderly briefings and collaborations with the veteran service organizations. They have not been occurring on a regular basis and we have expressed concerns to va officials about those meetings to continue to have a collaborative discussion on presumptive conditions.
▶ 1:00:26Chair Moran: Thank you. I will do the same thing. Commander, could you speak to the important role that veterans homes play in caring for our nation's veterans, lie, at least in my view, is important to increase resources for the creation of new homes, as well as renovate existing homes?
▶ 1:00:46Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Chairman moran, again, thank you for the question. Because the american legion cares about this with our veterans and how they are impacted, for more clarity, I would like to turn back over to director cole.
▶ 1:01:00Mr. Lyle: Thank you, commander, Mr. chairman. State veterans homes obviously play a critical role in the long term care and health services of our nation's veterans. The american legion will continue to advocate for funding and for the creation of state veterans homes in support of our nation's veterans.
▶ 1:01:24Chair Moran: Thank you. I recognize the ranking member of the house, representative takano.
▶ 1:01:31Rep. Takano: Thank you, chairman moran. Cmdr. Lacoursiere, have you seen the vfw statement related to the va's indiscriminate firing of veterans?
▶ 1:01:41Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Ranking member takano, I have not read it but I did hear about that. After this conference, I will look into it and discuss it with our staff.
▶ 1:01:51Rep. Takano: Thank you. Do you agree with some of the sentiments in that statement, that the loss of thousands of va employees, many of them veterans, is troubling?
▶ 1:02:04Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Ranking member takano, because the american legion fights to protect and oversee the care and well-being of our veterans on a daily basis, once again, I would like to turn this back over to director cole.
▶ 1:02:19Mr. Lyle: Thank you for the question, ranking member takano. Obviously, there is a lot of anxiety about this in the veteran community. Two days ago, we held a leadership panel with senior career officials of the va who actually did express happiness with the liberal exemption policy as they put it. The firings themselves, we spoke with secretary of veterans affairs yesterday.
▶ 1:02:50Mr. Lyle: Today, our testimony is our statement, that we did have a conversation with him, concerns about the clarity in which of these firings were occurring, and that we would like to have a productive conversation with him and with your committees going forward about how it would impact veterans. But the career officials we spoke with, I asked this direct question, said do you anticipate any impact from these firings on veteran direct health care and benefits? They did not express any concern that they would.
▶ 1:03:22Mr. Lyle: But we will continue to have productive conversations.
▶ 1:03:25Rep. Takano: What about the veterans themselves who have had stellar performance records, but whose memo stated that they were fired because of their performance as one of the reasons? Do you have any concerns about actual veterans dismissed with such memos?
▶ 1:03:43Mr. Lyle: Sarah, I'm not aware of any specific cases. I'm happy to take that for the record and work with your office on specific cases. The american legion, whether government employees or private sector employees, stands ready to assist veterans dealing with unemployment financial challenges, and other things.
▶ 1:04:03Rep. Takano: Thank you. Cmdr. Lacoursiere, I see in your testimony, the american legion recognizes the importance of balancing community care and be a direct care. And that va's aging infrastructure is a contributor to the imbalance we are seeing. How should we address this to make sure there is always a va for veterans to go to?
▶ 1:04:27Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Ranking members takano, to save on time, I will turn that over to director cole.
▶ 1:04:33Mr. Lyle: Thank you, commander. Community care and the codification of access standards, the american legion things is the right way to go to ensure veterans can get the care they need when they need it. I think to a large extent, infrastructure obviously plays a huge role in the va internal capacity to care for them.
▶ 1:04:58Mr. Lyle: We have expressed a desire for increased appropriations for major and minor construction, increase in flexibility of leasing so that the va is able to handle, preferably get the care at the va rather than sending them into the community. Ultimately the veteran must come first in that decision, must be made between a veteran and their provider, based on their interest.
▶ 1:05:26Chair Moran: Senator blumenthal.
▶ 1:05:29Sen. Blumenthal: Thanks, Mr. chairman. I quoted earlier secretary collins who said that you should disregard senators and house members who want to scare you. We are telling you the truth, and it is scary.
▶ 1:05:52Sen. Blumenthal: I urge you to ask for the facts about those va employees who have been fired, employees with years of service with good performance reviews. And more important than even their fate, they serve veterans. They are the ones to process those benefits under the pact act.
▶ 1:06:16Sen. Blumenthal: One of the most common constituent complaints I received, and you as legionnaires probably with your fellow veterans here, is the delay in processing benefits. These are not gifts, they are not charitable handouts. You have earned them.
▶ 1:06:42Sen. Blumenthal: Under the pact act, under the government programs that keep promises to you. The va is breaking those promises, and it is not even the va, it is elon musk using algorithms and ai formulas, his tech bros are applying them to decide, well, so and so is dispensable, benefits processor, these doctors.
▶ 1:07:10Sen. Blumenthal: We need to reestablish the kind of oversight and supervision that they are eliminating through abolishing and firing the inspectors general. I want to thank you, commander, for your testimony. Quote the hiring freeze has the potential to impact millions of veterans, particularly those waiting on adjudication of claims post-pact act. That indicates to me that you share this concern.
▶ 1:07:45Sen. Blumenthal: Do you know of veterans, commander, who have been delayed in terms of benefits received?
▶ 1:07:53Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Ranking member blumenthal, thank you very much for the question. It is a topic that we are very concerned about because we do care about the well-being of our veterans and their families. Once again, I would like to defer to director cole.
▶ 1:08:11Mr. Lyle: Thank you, commander. Thank you, ranking member blumenthal. Again, we spoke with those va officials and raised similar concerns. I know the last year, va officials said they were aiming at vba and the board of veterans appeals to get back to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2025.
▶ 1:08:35Mr. Lyle: I asked them in consideration with all the personnel changes, hiring freeze, return to work, all that they anticipated, any negative effect on veteran benefits. They indicated that it would not affect their ability. They said the goal to get back to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year was still the target.
▶ 1:08:55Sen. Blumenthal: Let me suggest that you apply a high degree of skepticism to the happy talk and smiley faces of the va, who obviously have a party line to his spouse, and talk to your members, veterans, real veterans suffering real impact, not just on the processing of benefits in a timely way.
▶ 1:09:25Sen. Blumenthal: Also veterans crisis line, saving people from suicide, recruiting of doctors. I am willing to bet in most of your va facilities, doctors and nurses need to be recruited and retained. Go down the kind of services that are essential, health care benefits. Cannot fire 2400 people without there being an impact. I yelled back.
▶ 1:09:55Sen. Blumenthal: >> the representative from american samoa is recognized. >> I want to thank you for holding this important hearing today as well as thanking the panel for being here. Thank you for your sacrifice. Service to our nation. My home district is almost 10,000 miles from washington, D.C.
▶ 1:10:22Sen. Blumenthal: So I'm just wondering if we have a veteran or two that has traveled all the way from the pacific islands. Probably not. I thought I would ask. [applause] all right.
▶ 1:10:40Rep. Radewagen: Thank you so much. I wanted to say a few weeks ago, I traveled by car down south and visited eight ilitary installations. I also invited the american legion to come along.
▶ 1:10:59Rep. Radewagen: We were able to visit nine american legion posts, and I was honored to spend time, have town hall meetings along the way with hundreds of veterans I want to thank your leadership for helping to put this together.
▶ 1:11:18Rep. Radewagen: My special thanks to american legion's dejesus for a company my husband and me on this rather lengthy trip. [applause] cmdr. Lacoursiere, the american legion supports the restore va accountability act of 2025.
▶ 1:11:48Rep. Radewagen: Why is it important to provide additional tools to address poor performance and ensure va is serving all veterans with the highest standards? Commander?
▶ 1:12:01Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Thank you for the question, Ms. radewagen. The american legion cares about the well-being of our veterans. I would like to turn over to director cole again.
▶ 1:12:14Mr. Lyle: Thank you, commander, thank you congresswoman. I know that ariel enjoyed his trip with you through those states, it military bases. The american legion has several resolutions in support of accountability and efficiency at the department of veterans affairs. The va should be an agency accountable to the veterans it serves.
▶ 1:12:40Mr. Lyle: We know that last year the office of inspector general produced 100 some odd reports to the tune of $9.2 billion in monetary impact, so we know it exists. There are efficiencies to be made. We have supported the accountability act in the past.
▶ 1:13:02Rep. Radewagen: Thank you, Mr. chairman. I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 1:13:07Chair Moran: Senator tillis is recognized.
▶ 1:13:12Sen. Tillis: Thank, Mr. chairman. Welcome to all of you and thank you for your service and continuing to serve. I think it was senator blumenthal who said real people are suffering with real impacts. Did that just start three weeks ago in the va? Real people suffering real impacts? Or do we have unacceptable wait times and fewer options for members who are in stress?
▶ 1:13:40Sen. Tillis: Is this a new phenomenon or do we have work to do that predated the transition? Commander.
▶ 1:13:46Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Senator tillis, thank you very much for the question and everything. I would like to start by saying any wait time is unacceptable.
▶ 1:13:58Sen. Tillis: That was an unfair question.
▶ 1:14:01Cmdr. Lacoursiere: We would like to respond to that in a professional manner from the american legion.
▶ 1:14:07Sen. Tillis: Let me just revise it. What I'm particularly interested in -- I don't know. I said yesterday at the dav hearing, I am a boring management consultant interested in the facts.
▶ 1:14:23Sen. Tillis: I want to know of the terminations we have seen, separations we have seen, have they been stratified in a way that I know that the physicians, physical therapists, nurses, people on the front line, critical employees -- I'm asking for that information. If we found some bad separations, I will make it known. I'm wondering if y'all have access to that information yet.
▶ 1:14:50Ms. Mathis: We do not have that information in hand right now. We have intention to be in close dialogue with the v.a. But also with the veterans to find out exactly what the issues are and to monitor what will be the impacts.
▶ 1:15:09Sen. Tillis: . You have the eyes on the ground. If there is a personnel separation that has had an impact on serving veterans, I will be the first ones to go to the senate floor and say this has to stop. What I think is unhelpful is we just have this going in every direction. People are only talking about the top line political comments that get you on tv.
▶ 1:15:32Sen. Tillis: They are not trying to measure whether or not they are real impacts we need to worry about, whether or not we need to communicate that we need to be advised on it very quickly. You all are an extraordinary organization. I see some familiar faces and friends and I wish I had more time to speak. As we go through this transformation, I am holding out hope that this is about getting the most critical people, the most important service levels for veterans improved.
▶ 1:16:03Sen. Tillis: There is a thesis that this is somehow, it seems odd for me to accept on its face that this is all with an intent to do great opportunities for veterans to get another payment on a debt we can never repay. Why does anybody think that is politically or operationally sustainable? To my colleagues on the other side of the aisle that want to focus on the top line, that is fine. We are in a committee hearing. There are cameras.
▶ 1:16:33Sen. Tillis: Behind the scenes why don't we determine to what extent these reductions are having an appreciable impact on the service levels that I believe that every veteran deserves. They should be top quartile. Thank you for your information. Make sure you report back to me. God bless you all. Anybody around north carolina out there? Thank you.
▶ 1:16:54Chair Moran: Thank you senator. Congressman connolly, you are recognized. Civil connelly --
▶ 1:17:07Sen. Connolly: Thank you to the american legion. I am troubled will be greatly disappointed by the actions taken by the v.a. To terminate nursing assistants, supply technicians, schedulers and their shared work to provide life-saving treatment to veterans.
▶ 1:17:31Sen. Connolly: Without adequate support staff, physicians would be overwhelmed with scheduling and other administrative tasks leaving them with less time to care for veterans and we have heard that we have lost a contractor that had great success in recruiting much-needed physicians into the workforce. Of course, these terminations go to the very heart of the wait times that all of us find so unacceptable.
▶ 1:18:00Sen. Connolly: My staff met yesterday with employees who worked as trainers for the persons who were discharged from the veterans crisis line.
▶ 1:18:15Sen. Connolly: We know and have heard written testimony from the commander that we are seeing increases in the use of the veterans crisis line, many calls are coming in and I heard in my office yesterday from local american legionnaires about the 20 two men and women we are losing every day to suicide.
▶ 1:18:43Sen. Connolly: It is particularly concerning to hear about and understand that these cuts have taken place. Could you elaborate on the implications of understaffing the crisis line and what impact will these cuts have on veterans and families not only in the crisis line but in these critical service areas that support the work that the v.a.
▶ 1:19:12Sen. Connolly: Does to provide life-saving care ?
▶ 1:19:15Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Thank you very much for that question. As we stated earlier, we care about all of our veterans. We also cared that they get the proper care in a timely manner that they deserve and we need to continue the peer tp continue the peer tto peer support. We are aimed and focused on reducing veteran suicide. Every suicide matters. We care about that.
▶ 1:19:48Cmdr. Lacoursiere: That is why we have the mission. To give your definition to your question, I will turn it over to the director.
▶ 1:19:57Mr. Lyle: Thank you for the question. As the commander stated, suicide is one of the american legion's top priorities. We at local posts here often from veterans who have been personally affected by this so it is something that we are passionate about. In terms of the veterans crisis line, we heard about the two employees who were fired and reinstated two days later.
▶ 1:20:28Mr. Lyle: There have been some concerns about how some of these executive orders work in concert with each other. For instance, the hiring freeze, crisis responders were exempt but returning to exempted which was made it -- which made it harder for the v.a. To hire those folks. They would have to have silent monitors and place them as crisis responders. There could be a capacity issue.
▶ 1:20:58Mr. Lyle: We have not seen anything currently. We are working collaboratively and will communicate with the department and with your committees about this issue going forward. >> thank you Mr. chairman.
▶ 1:21:14Chair Moran: Senator hassan, you are recognized.
▶ 1:21:20Sen. Hassan: I am for this hearing. Commander and all of your colleagues and veterans in the room, welcome. I honor my dad's service and his memory by being a member of the auxiliary. Thank you for welcoming me to that as well. Any granite staters out there? Anybody from new hampshire?
▶ 1:21:48Sen. Hassan: Excellent, thank you and welcome. I do not have a question about the recent events at the v.a.. I will just say this. First the a administration fired the inspector general at the v.a.. Then they laid off 2400 people. Now we are seeing all of these cuts that may impact central services to veterans.
▶ 1:22:10Sen. Hassan: My job is to ask why and my job as a former governor is to say you don't make indiscriminate cuts. You do not churn employees. You do not do categories of cuts willy-nilly. You study, look at ways you can coordinate and streamline services and you look at the impact before you make this kind of layoff and take these kinds of actions.
▶ 1:22:37Sen. Hassan: The inspector general is the person who is charged with going after waste, fraud and abuse. To fire that person right away is troubling to me. I hope we will have more transparency. I hope the secretary will come and I hope he will explain what they have done and why he thinks it is good for the v.a. And more importantly, good for our veterans. Commander, I wanted to ask about improving v.a. Facilities. I want to thank the american legion for your continued advocacy on behalf of all veterans. In your written testimony you discussed the fact that the v.a.
▶ 1:23:09Sen. Hassan: Medical facilities are on average roughly six years old and in need of significant repairs. That is something we are very familiar with. The manchester v.a. Medical center is almost 75 years old and twice in the past eight years pipes have burst in the medical center causing significant damage and delay of care for veterans. Cancellations of entire procedures. I worked with the v.a. To address this issue and I will keep doing that. But we all know veterans in new hampshire and around the country deserve the best care at the best facilities. They have earned that.
▶ 1:23:41Sen. Hassan: Can you please discuss the need for robust commitment to improving v.a.'s infrastructure and how that will benefit veterans?
▶ 1:23:47Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Thank you very much for the question and the statement as well. At the american legion we truly care about the conditions of our facilities because it affects the care for our veterans as patients. That is the reason at the american legion we have the system worth saving to give more , I will like to turn it back over to the director.
▶ 1:24:13Mr. Lyle: Thank you for the question. The infrastructure problem in recent years has been exacerbated by community care in the sense that more veterans are eligible to receive care in the community because the v.a. Cannot provide the care at a reasonable time or distance. Preferably the v.a. Is a one-stop shop for veterans and v.a. Facilities in need of modernization should be modernized.
▶ 1:24:45Mr. Lyle: Historically the recent administrations have submitted but to congress in the neighborhood of $3 billion for major and moderate infrastructure projects and in a budget-constrained environment, the v.a. Has to make choices about where that occurs. There is definitely room for improvement in terms of congress's commitment to the v.a. Infrastructure, particularly with codification.
▶ 1:25:14Sen. Hassan: Thank you. I will follow-up with issues I know we are all concerned about. Thank you.
▶ 1:25:21Chair Moran: Thank you. >> thank you, Mr. chairman. As a member of the american legion post 107 in phoenix, arizona, it is an honor to be with you here today. I know you are continuing your service by being a voice for so many veterans. Thank you for coming. Thank you for the volunteers. President trump in the last administration champion to twice in healthcare which is a top priority in his administration.
▶ 1:25:52Chair Moran: We continue to hear stories about veterans facing long wait times and denials for community care. How can the v.a. Ensure bureaucrats cannot arbitrarily deny veterans there right to seek community care?
▶ 1:26:05Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Thank you for that question. Because we do care about the care and well billy -- well-being of our veterans, that is a priority for us. For more clarity, I will turn over to the director.
▶ 1:26:20Mr. Lyle: I'm actually going to defer to my chairman. >> thank you. Thank you for the question. We certainly do care about ensuring our veterans get the care that they need when they need it and where they need it. That is priority one for the american legion. If that is through community care, that's good as long as we have the v.a. Providing the oversight necessary to ensure that standards are kept.
▶ 1:26:49Mr. Lyle: >> what do you hear from veterans about their ability to access mental health care under the current approval process? >> we are hearing very good and not so good. It depends on the region of the country and the community care area. It is probably like any other place in civilian care too. You can hear very good and very bad.
▶ 1:27:16Mr. Lyle: When we hear anything that is not up to standard, we certainly investigate and we work toward getting that fixed, working with the v.a. To get that done. >> veterans should be treated well no matter from the inner city or the suburban areas or rural areas. We need to make sure that we have a common standard across the country. I know that's a top priority for you all. Thank you. I yield back.
▶ 1:27:40Chair Moran: I recognize a person that formerly was in the house will be served on our committee in the house but now is in the senate. He looks really good in the senate. Senator banks. Several banks --
▶ 1:27:57Aen. Banks: It is an honor to be the first hoosier to serve on the senate committee. I have spent six years serving. I want to thank all the legionnaires in the room. Thank you for coming all the way from indiana to be part of this hearing.
▶ 1:28:16Aen. Banks: When you educate us on your priorities, it helps us fight hard to make sure that our nation's heroes get the service that they have earned from this country and your work here today helps us in a big way to do that. Mr. commander, as you know, indianapolis will be hosting the national veterans creative arts festival in may presented by the american legion and the v.a..
▶ 1:28:47Aen. Banks: This festival is a great opportunity for veterans to showcase their work and these creative projects are an important part of many veterans rehabilitation. Can you tell us about the event and the value it provides?
▶ 1:29:03Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Thank you very much for that question. The creative arts festival is a very huge highlight. It brings out the best of the best of our veterans. They use their creativity in various facets whether artistic, painting, playing the piano, whatever the case may be.
▶ 1:29:26Cmdr. Lacoursiere: It is another form for them of their therapy, the therapy that they need to decompress and deal with mental health and various aspects. Mental health is a very large scope. If they can sit back and find a way to tunnel it in, in their way without using drugs, anything along that scope because in years back we sat back and we medicated our veterans.
▶ 1:29:57Cmdr. Lacoursiere: They came home, they seek mental health assistance. They go to the v.a., receive a bottle of pills. They are sent home. That's not cutting it. We want our veterans to be able to think clearly. We also want them to survive. They can help us grow the economy by being on this side of the earth.
▶ 1:30:24Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Yes, the american legion's creative arts program is a very high-profile and great program because it is for all veterans. >> very well put. India is very proud to host this event in may and we thank the american legion for providing that opportunity for our nation's veterans. Look forward to highlighting it. Thank you for choosing indianapolis as of this nation for that event in may. I yield back.
▶ 1:30:52Chair Moran: Thank you. We recognize congresswoman mccormick for three minutes. >> thank you. I will start by echoing the comments I made yesterday. Any cut that has the potential to hurt just one veteran must be taken off the table immediately.
▶ 1:31:11Chair Moran: Our veterans deserve better than to be collateral talent -- collateral damage from hasty cost-cutting benefits such as efforts to deprive our brave men and women of the services that they rightfully deserve. Let's prioritize our veterans and ensure they receive the support and the help that they have earned.
▶ 1:31:33Chair Moran: For example, the taking of the, the veterans crisis line last week, it was reported that dioge fired them and scrambled to rehire them. A large majority are veterans themselves who have lost their jobs. This is appalling and ridiculous.
▶ 1:31:56Chair Moran: Commander lacoursiere, his firing workers for the veterans crisis line in line with your recommendation to train 100,000 people in suicide prevention?
▶ 1:32:07Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Ms. mccormick, thank you for that question because we do care about our veterans. I want to not waste your time. I will give you a clear answer. I will turn it over to the director.
▶ 1:32:20Mr. Lyle: Thank you. There have been a lot of changes very quickly in the last month. We are encouraged that all critical essential personnel have been exempt and the v.a.'s four agencies have assured us that the exemption policy is very liberal. If a supervisor at the v.a.
▶ 1:32:45Mr. Lyle: Sees one of their personnel in a mission-critical position that they have the ability to go to leadership to be exempt. I think vha's 300,000 so far. 15 occupations dealing with families and maintaining cemeteries. Particularly with the veterans crisis line, it is a critically important tool for crisis intervention to attack the veteran suicide issue.
▶ 1:33:17Mr. Lyle: We have not heard of any direct impacts to veterans based on the personal actions by the administration. As we mentioned earlier, we are closely monitoring those and we will work with this committee and the v.a. To ensure that there is no direct harm to veterans. >> do you believe we should be investing more in growing the actual staff to deal with the veteran suicide prevention line and to deal with veterans mental health? President trump thank you --
▶ 1:33:46Mr. Lyle: Thank you. The veterans crisis line is an important tool but the broader problem of suicide prevention, the point is to get nontraditional approaches upstream before the veteran gets to that crisis point. Our efforts are focused in be the one and more broadly government policy to ensure that the v.a.
▶ 1:34:13Mr. Lyle: Is starting to attack those upstream products like relationship stress, housing, transportation, before I get to the part where they need to call the veterans crisis line or they need to go to the emergency room. >> if I may add to that. We are also very engaged in growing peer-to-peer support.
▶ 1:34:38Mr. Lyle: The american legion very much supports the fox grant program for these alternative methods, community based methods to get veterans who are in crisis or perhaps maybe just floundering a little bit, connected with other veterans who can help put an arm around them and maybe bring them back to safer ground. We are a big fan of the veteran to veteran and peer-to-peer support.
▶ 1:35:06Mr. Lyle: Whatever programs these committees to support to do that, we will do our best on the side to push that out. Thank you. >> thank you for your service and for being here. We are committed to making sure we are investing in programs that will help our veterans. Thank you very much.
▶ 1:35:22Chair Moran: Senator king is recognized. >> first I want to thank everyone for being here. The legion has never had a more important moment in this one, to defend our veterans, to defend the veterans administration, to defend the service being provided to veterans. We need your voice. Yes it is early in this process. We don't know where it is going. We don't know how many more firings there will be. You have to let us know what is going on on the ground. That is a very important role.
▶ 1:35:54Chair Moran: Matthew, I am delighted to see maine at the table. We have had 2400 firings in the last two weeks. Do not forget we had a hiring freeze and with normal attrition, we probably lost another 2000 people. We are talking about almost 5000 people out of the v.a. Service. It bothers me when people talk about bureaucrats. They say we will protect the doctors, the direct service workers. If nobody is in there to answer the phone when a veteran calls for an appointment, that is a denial of benefits.
▶ 1:36:27Chair Moran: And so this idea that bureaucrats are not important really galls me. The secretary said after all of these cuts, veterans will notice a change for the better. It reminds me of the old country song, who will you believe, me or your own lying eyes. I want you to tell us what is actually happening.
▶ 1:36:51Chair Moran: The pact act backlog is not going to be helped by removing people who are in the service of other veterans. I do want to talk about transition. Be the one is one of the most important initiatives going on in the country right now. Thank you for staffing that, for setting it up and for making it actually happen.
▶ 1:37:19Chair Moran: [applause] I have a simple formula for transition. I think the defense department should spend as much money on transition as they do on recruitment. [applause] one of the things we are working on here is something called the taft promotion act which would bring video shows -- vso's end of the process of transition. We have to have a warm hand off.
▶ 1:37:51Chair Moran: I think you quoted a number, a very large percentage of the suicides are at the first year or two after transition. That is a place where we really need to give some effort. Commander, tell me about how important you think transition is.
▶ 1:38:05Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Thank you very much for that question. The program is very critical. It is a very important element. It takes 365 days to transition and educate themselves on it. As we all know, the more knowledge you have, it gives us a much better sense of direction on where to go and what you need but it serves you in the right direction for gainful future improvement -- employment.
▶ 1:38:36Cmdr. Lacoursiere: As we all know, employment starts you in the right direction for stability with your family and it also drives the economy forward. Too often we sit back and they don't know where to go for assistance when they get out of the military. I am not saying the second you get out of the military that you need assistance. But down the road you may need that assistance. They need to be afforded all the tools and resources. Even get a start in their next career as they take off the uniform.
▶ 1:39:04Cmdr. Lacoursiere: >> my vision is someone meet you at the airport when you come home. Welcome home, here's what the v.a. Can do for you. Here are the programs. Give me a call if you need any help. That is where things like the be the one program can be a difference. Thank you for what you're doing. Let us know what is happening out there so we can protect and defend the most sacred obligation this government has which is to its veterans. Thank you.
▶ 1:39:35Cmdr. Lacoursiere: >> thank you very much for holding this hearing. Thank you to all of our witnesses. As a 24 year military veteran married to a 30 year military veteran whose father was air force and siblings were either in the air force or the marines, I think you for your service and the ability to be here to defend our democracy and allow us to actually have this hearing today
▶ 1:40:07Cmdr. Lacoursiere: And what we are doing for our veterans and the debt of gratitude we owe them. Let me just ask a question. Are you glad the kiosks are coming back? It is one of the times when people in washington, D.C. don't listen to their veterans, plan a program and find out that it backfires because what they thought was a good idea really was not a good idea for the population that we serve. I have heard a lot about them. We are glad the v.a.
▶ 1:40:36Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Has reconsidered. Ms. mathis, let me thank you for mentioning the fox grant program, it is a program, a bill I'm sponsoring as chair of the house subcommittee. It is very important. You mentioned peer-to-peer support. We have a quad city veterans outreach program in davenport, iowa.
▶ 1:41:04Cmdr. Lacoursiere: These are veterans serving veterans or family members of veterans serving veterans who have done a great job allowing a platform for veterans to talk to other veterans. I thank you for underscoring the importance of that. Commander lacoursiere, you mentioned suicide prevention and how important it is. What do we need to do in congress to help you all?
▶ 1:41:36Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Do you think it is appropriate? We found a subcommittee hearing and found out that the v.a. Did not consider residential mental health or residential substance abuse disorder treatment to fall within the 30 day window or 40 mile window of the mission act. So these patients were refused. Is that something that helps us to deter suicide and also treat ptsd or substance use disorder?
▶ 1:42:00Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Thank you very much for that question. As we mentioned earlier, we truly do care about every life and veteran and the care and well-being. Suicide is something we truly take to heart. We are trying to monitor that. To give a direct answer, I will turn it over to the director.
▶ 1:42:22Mr. Lyle: Thank you, commander. In our testimony and the Sen. in our testimony and the Sen. american legion's efforts, the fox grant program is a great example of a program that gives resources to local and state level organizations that may not be suicide prevention but they help attack those upstream problems like financial assistance that I mentioned earlier.
▶ 1:42:52Mr. Lyle: I also think that the american legion thinks that we should look at suicide prevention differently. Right now the office of suicide prevention is housed within the vha and mental health.
▶ 1:43:12Mr. Lyle: They say it is their number one clinical priority when we know that there are number of things at the veterans benefits administration that directly touch on a veterans spiral to a crisis point. There are several recommendations that we have. We are happy to follow-up and work with your office to address this problem. >> thank you very much. I know my time is expired. I thank all of you here for being our eyes and ears on the ground.
▶ 1:43:41Mr. Lyle: The number of lives you have saved from suicide among our veterans is uncounted and unknown so thank you very much. >> thank you. >> thank you, Mr. chairman and to the ranking members for convening this important hearing. Thank you to our witnesses for being here and for continuing to advocate for our veterans. I echo my colleagues words of how important it is right now in this moment that we hear from you.
▶ 1:44:12Mr. Lyle: As a physician who has served in the v.a., took care of patients in the v.a. For years, deeply grateful for the work you are continuing to do. Les congress thanks to advocacy the elizabeth dole veterans health. Benefits improvement act was passed. A major step forward on many fronts, including tackling veteran homelessness. Over the past 15 years federal investments have cut veteran homelessness in half.
▶ 1:44:41Mr. Lyle: But our work clearly is not done. Last you nearly 34,000 veterans in the U.S., including more than 1400 in my home state of oregon, where without a home. Last week I held a roundtable with terrains and advocates in oregon in effectively addressing house list and mental health are their top priorities.
▶ 1:45:02Mr. Lyle: The dole act increased per diem rates for transitional housing and ensured the ba could provide basic necessities like food, transportation, and hygiene products for our veterans. These are essential lifesaving provisions, yet congress has failed to find them. Commander lacoursiere, could you speak how impactful it would be to fully fund the double act program for veterans experiencing homelessness?
▶ 1:45:31Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Give very much for that question. Yes, the american legion, we are ecstatic to see the dole act to get across the girl. When he comes to veteran homelessness we care about the veteran homelessness is much as we do about veteran suicide. But veteran and homelessness are two words that should never ever be used in the same sentence.
▶ 1:46:00Cmdr. Lacoursiere: [applause] you are talking about the troops that protected and served for this country. Almost every veteran that has served this country will continue to serve the country even after they take the uniform off. So, we are trying to do everything we can to help reduce -- let me take that word back. To eliminate veteran homelessness. And we will do anything we can to work with your committees and work with congress.
▶ 1:46:29Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Like I said in my testimony, we are here to work with congress. >> thank you so much, commander. I cannot agree more and that is the sentiment her back in oregon, that he must end veteran homelessness. We have a bipartisan majority that agreed these programs are necessary, but we have not found the impetus for prioritization to successfully actually fund it. And that is uncertain -- unacceptable. We must agree that housing is a fundamental right.
▶ 1:47:01Cmdr. Lacoursiere: As you said, no veteran who has served this country should ever be at threat of being house list. I hope that my colleagues can stand with us to make sure we end this and prioritize our veterans over potentially taxpayer -- tax breaks for millionaires. We have the resources. We just need the political will.
▶ 1:47:24Chair Moran: I recognize the senator from illinois, senator duckworth.
▶ 1:47:29Sen. Duckworth: Thank, Mr. chairman. My colleagues and I passed the pact act helped create the largest package of veteran benefits in decades. I remember when I was state director of veterans affairs and I just had been appointed that position, and I had one of the policy he was a vietnam pilot, yet mom veteran, who was dying from agent orange-related exposure. I did everything I can to get him his benefits.
▶ 1:47:59Sen. Duckworth: This was a man who used to give me check flights and terrify me. The pilots from vietnam did not take guff from us young bucks. He used to terrify me. I remember trying so hard to get him his benefits, and he ended up dying. We had to give benefits to his spouse.
▶ 1:48:21Sen. Duckworth: Were it not for you, where an opera bso's fighting would never have passed the conditions that then set up the stage for the pact act. I want to tell you how critically that fight was for over 30 years and the key is that with the pact act we think we are adding benefits now and we think we know with those conditions are now.
▶ 1:48:47Sen. Duckworth: I'm going to tell you some of these conditions are going to take 20, 30, 40 years to manifest themselves, like they did with agent orange exposure. It's going to take a while for neurological conditions. It may be 20 years after the exposure until the veterans are showing signs of their toxic exposure. That is why it is so important that we get veterans enrolled and get them into the system.
▶ 1:49:09Sen. Duckworth: I remember flying into baghdad and we had to take turns holding our breath because that layer of polluted air above baghdad was so toxic it would burn my lungs and our eyes with water. I remember thinking, those poor suckers down there, what are they living under? But then I lived downwind from the burn pits. I'm here because you have always been at the forefront, forcing this nation to live up to our promises to veterans.
▶ 1:49:40Sen. Duckworth: But right now president trump and elon musk firing employees is not helping the case. I know the secretary of veterans affairs said no vital employees were fired. I personally took care of two veterans crisis hotline employees who were fired and worked hard to get them reinstated. They were fired on valentine's day. These are people who were answering the phones, and now I just heard another case yesterday of another crisis line employee who was fired. This is a supervisor.
▶ 1:50:09Sen. Duckworth: Somebody who did a good job and was promoted to train other employees. Because of that the probationary in that new position, they were just fired. We cannot let that happen. Mr. lacher sierra -- commander. How would the firing of so many employees from the v.a. Affect your members?
▶ 1:50:35Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Senator duckworth, thank you very much for that question. The details you just laid out before us, I would like to turn this over to our direct.
▶ 1:50:48Mr. Lyle: There has been a lot happening recently. I think every few days we are learning about something new and trying to determine how it will impact veterans and have any negative impact so we can assist this committee and the ba in mitigating those impacts to veterans specifically, with the veteran crisis line, or other critical mission-essential, to make sure veterans are getting the care they need when they
▶ 1:51:19Mr. Lyle: Need it. We were encouraged about the number of exemptions that the v.a. Announced. We have also been told by career officials at the v.a., not politicals, that they were happy with the -- what they called a liberal exception policy. We will continue to work with you and the legionnaires on the ground to identify those potential impacts and bring them to you and the v.a. As soon as possible.
▶ 1:51:49Sen. Duckworth: I would appreciate that. I have personally received letters and these are people answering the phones when a veteran calls. That crisis hotline has a nine second response rate and that is critically important. Commander lacoursiere, any time a veteran must lay down his head on the streets that he defended, we are all dishonest. I yield back, Mr. chairman.
▶ 1:52:17Chair Moran: Congressman mcgarvey. Supper mcgarvey thank you all policymakers have spoken out against it. However veterans are speaking out against it. Because of the feared impact it is having on the services we must be providing the men and women who served us.
▶ 1:52:49Chair Moran: Last night ahead at telephone town hall and a gentleman named alan called in who served in the army. He was at the v.a. Getting health care and one of the things he told me about, he said the people here are scared. Morale is down. They don't know if they are going to have their jobs. We made a promise to take care of our veterans. We have to fulfill that promise. We will not back down on this committee. I want to ask you guys a few questions related to the workforce at the v.a..
▶ 1:53:20Chair Moran: Commander, do you have numbers on how many veterans work at the ba?
▶ 1:53:27Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Thank you very much for that question. I believe it is approximately 400,000, but I want to turn that over to -- I want you to have the honest answer. I'm going to turn it over to our director cold.
▶ 1:53:43Mr. Lyle: Thank you. I don't have a specific number I can give you right now, but I believe it is in the neighborhood of 360,000.
▶ 1:53:54Sen. Mcgarvey: Do you know what percentage of v.a.'s workforce?
▶ 1:54:01Mr. Lyle: 369,000 employees. That has increased from about 49,000 in fy 01.
▶ 1:54:11Sen. Mcgarvey: That is a huge percentage of veterans work at the ba check we have not been able to track down a solid number for how many veterans have lost their jobs in these massive firings. Do you guys have that number?
▶ 1:54:23Cmdr. Lacoursiere: We do not.
▶ 1:54:24Sen. Mcgarvey: How many military spouses have lost their jobs? We have not been able to track that down either?
▶ 1:54:31Mr. Lyle: No sir.
▶ 1:54:32Sen. Mcgarvey: Part of the reason we don't know this is because how this was done. It was no impact analysis before they laid off all of these people. We have about 30 seconds left. Hearing from my veterans in louisville kentucky, what you hearing your members about what impact this is going to have?
▶ 1:54:57Mr. Lyle: Thank you, sir. I will just go ahead and follow-up. I think the lack of clarity, which we did discuss with the secretary in our meeting yesterday and v.a. Officials on monday from all four administrations, that we would -- we need -- more clarity on who specifically is being impacted. And we encourage them to proactively message with us, the committees, and veterans in the country about those impacts.
▶ 1:55:28Mr. Lyle: But as of now we do not have that information. >> there was a very nice way to say this might be screwing our veterans. >> we had seven people fired at our veterans hospital yesterday. Five of the seven were veterans. Be clear, when you hear 1000 people laid off, 300 or 400 of those are veterans.
▶ 1:55:55Mr. Lyle: >> I began my remarks yesterday by expressing my grave concern about the ongoing assault on the civil service and v.a. Employees. Shortly after yesterday's hearing I heard that these massive firings hit minneapolis v.a., which serves over 100,000 veterans in the twin cities and surrounding areas. We are talking about public servants with records of strong job performance, many of whom are vets themselves, who now find themselves out of a job, all without notice or cause.
▶ 1:56:26Mr. Lyle: Many of the v.a. Employees laid off in minneapolis are veterans themselves. Men and women who made the decision to serve their fellow vets even after they completed their own military service. I find it hard to believe that these mass firings will not affect the care and services that are veterans have earned. Commander, I'm grateful to you and your fellow legionnaires for being here today. I was honored to meet with a strong delegation from minnesota yesterday. Grateful for them for traveling to the halls of congress.
▶ 1:56:57Mr. Lyle: I want to thank you for chair -- for sharing your stories and advocacy on behalf of your fellow veterans. Last year hennepin county, which is minnesota's largest county by population, achieved functional zero status for veterans homelessness. I am incredibly proud of my community for making such significant strides. [applause] thank you. That does deserve a round of applause.
▶ 1:57:23Mr. Lyle: I'm really proud of my home community for making significant strides in caring for our veterans and he gives me hope that minnesota can be a model for the country in the fight to end veteran homelessness. I'm wondering how federal investments in housing and other wraparound services will help to fight the veteran homelessness crisis?
▶ 1:57:44Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Thank you very much for that question. Increasing the number of vouchers that are made available , and working with ssvf. That alone can reduce our veteran homelessness. It can also give them the peace of mind that the government is actually working with them. When I found, myself -- and I'm going to share personal, and I will make it quick.
▶ 1:58:14Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Outside of the american legion I am currently on a year's leave of absence. But when I return after my year I go back to working for the solar's cup -- soldiers, sailors, and marines fund. Which is temporary financial assistance. What we find toward the latter part of the year, toward the fall time, which is a critical time of the year, now we are starting to fall short. On the availability of the vouchers and everything.
▶ 1:58:42Cmdr. Lacoursiere: So, in my opinion, if there is a way we can increase, may be based on veteran population, you know, on the states and everything. >> thank you. That is helpful. I was excited to see in your testimony you made reference to the outstanding work happening at vet centers. They provide counseling and transition services, but in a less clinical environment.
▶ 1:59:10Cmdr. Lacoursiere: There is a center in my district and I am hopeful we can expand the services across our entire stay. Can you share briefly your perspective about why a center's community-based approach is so successful?
▶ 1:59:24Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Again, thank you very much for that question. I want to turn that over to our chairman of veterans employment education. >> could you repeat the question? >> the importance of veterans centers and how their community-based approach is so successful?
▶ 1:59:51Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Sorry about that, doctor. My mistake. I was looking at the wrong chairman. I'm going to turn that over to our chairman, jay bowen.
▶ 2:00:02Mr. Bowen: Thank you for the question. The vet centers are critical to veterans' care, because they do operate in a more relaxed environment and once you put the veteran in a relaxed environment they are more likely to open up and talk about the issues they have. Once they talk about the issues and he gets out on the table then we can identify a fix. >> thank you so much.
▶ 2:00:26Mr. Bowen: Before I finish I just want to say, as the wife of an army combat veteran and a proud american want to thank everyone of you for your service. [applause] >> I will apologize that I had to leave at the beginning, but we did not save the best for last, but I'm going to be the one that asks last questions, if that is all right. Commander, I'm grateful for -- for the american legion's past support of my bill.
▶ 2:00:58Mr. Bowen: That is the veteran's second amended protection act. Is this legislation something the american legion will continue to support?
▶ 2:01:04Cmdr. Lacoursiere: Chairman, think you very much for that question. The american legion, we have and always will stand by the constitution of the united states of america. >> thank you. [applause] one more bill I have out there is the veterans access act of 2025, which expands access to community care. Can you explain why the veterans need access to community care?
▶ 2:01:33Cmdr. Lacoursiere: I'm going to turn that over to director pull. -- director cole.
▶ 2:01:44Mr. Lyle: Since the fina's -- phoenix waitlist scandal in the passage of the mission act community care has expanded because more veterans have become eligible under the regulatory guidance. To be able to get an appointment within a certain time or distance, in a lot of areas the v.a. Is unable to provide that care in-house.
▶ 2:02:06Mr. Lyle: We have seen credible evidence of the administrators level, basically disregard some of those access standards and canceling appointments or canceling existing referrals, shortening the timeline of authorization so the access act, the codification of access standards, would take the v.a.'s ability to do that out if the veteran and their provider decided is in their best medical interest to seek care in the community.
▶ 2:02:37Mr. Lyle: So, that, number one. But number two, a very important provision is, often time we hear from veterans across the country that they are happy with the care they get at v.a., they are happy with the quality, the care they get at their community provider. They are frustrated with the referral process and scheduling process and hurdles they have to overcome and the communication between those community providers.
▶ 2:03:03Mr. Lyle: So, the second important provision in that bill would seek to streamline the scheduling process, which is why we reviewed it and supported it. >> thank you. For my time runs out here and we go to our closing, I want to let you know I know you brought up the tapp programs. I'm a veteran that left the marine corps in 1983. Back then we did get a tapp from the colonel saying, thank you, nice to see.
▶ 2:03:33Mr. Lyle: But we on our committee are wanting to work closely with the -- because it is under dod's control, the scheduling. We need to get that coordinated, and the sad thing is that like the v.a., if you have seen one tap program, you have seen one tapp program. They need to be uniform.
▶ 2:03:54Mr. Lyle: We need to get the information to our veterans so as they separate they know what is available to them, for every issue, but mostly so that they know what mental health issues are available to them so that we don't lose them in being part of that, whether it is 17 or 21 or whatever that number is. One is too many with veteran suicides.
▶ 2:04:18Mr. Lyle: [applause] with that I now want to recognize the ranking member, for his closing statement. >> thank, Mr. chairman. Regarding the access act, want to say it does nothing to enhance the shortage and understaffing at the community care coordination offices, among the many, many the mac -- vmac's
▶ 2:04:50Mr. Lyle: Across the country. And I don't know that they were exempt from the firing or freeze fat your organization, you know, inquired about that with senior career officials. What I am troubled by is the acceptance from the career officials, these officials about the whole policy.
▶ 2:05:17Mr. Lyle: Was the question asked, was there an analysis performed? Not only about the impact, about the necessity? What was the purpose of these firings? Waste, fraud, and abuse is bandied about as the justification, but where is the justification prior to these firings? It seems to me they occurred willy-nilly and indiscriminately.
▶ 2:05:45Mr. Lyle: In the evidence is in the many veterans that have answered our survey about -- and v.a. Employees generally who have replied to our survey. I would urge that a similar survey be done by your own organization about the veterans who have been fired. I would assert that there is no credible justification -- waste, fraud, and abuse is just an excuse that has been put out there.
▶ 2:06:15Mr. Lyle: In fact, the very people who are responsible for waste, fraud, and abuse investigations where the first people fired by this administration. They fired the inspector general, who has held tough investigations against both republican and democratic inspector general's.
▶ 2:06:37Mr. Lyle: I have just reviewed some reports from the inspector general on president biden that were -- there were not president biden's v.a. Secretary, there were not very flattering. It is clear to me -- it is not clear to me that waste, fraud, and abuse motivated these firings at the v.a. I would like to share something. Yesterday and today you have accused my democratic colleagues and me of fear mongering.
▶ 2:07:05Mr. Lyle: You say we are not aware -- that you were not aware of any direct effects on patient care due to v.a.'s reckless firing of 2400 employees and counting. You have repeatedly invited folks to share examples with you, so I would like to share one with you now. On monday two clinicians that performed mental health intake at the cleveland v.a. Medical center were dismissed. This is already weak -- wreaking havoc on patient care and patient safety at that facility.
▶ 2:07:38Mr. Lyle: Additionally, prosthetics and supply chain staff have been fired. This directly affects patient care because these employees play a critical role in procuring the medical devices veterans need and equipping surgical suites with necessary supplies. I met with this particular employee yesterday.
▶ 2:07:59Mr. Lyle: They were in attendance at the hearing and they also indicated that it could mean veterans who need prosthetics could be -- the supply for them could be delayed. This is a very urgent matter, and I don't think we can pretend to believe senior officials who are under duress by the senior leadership, who tell you they are comfortable with the exemptions and that should be accepted at face value.
▶ 2:08:30Mr. Lyle: There is evidence I have presented to you now that you should face that with skepticism. I will not stop talking about these mass firings until I get answers. Until I get answers, and so far there are not answers. Everything that senator tillis brought up, the information is not forthcoming. Is not forthcoming. Mr. chairman, will you commit to us that we get from the v.a.
▶ 2:08:56Mr. Lyle: The details of these firings to ensure, as you have claimed, that these firings will not affect patient care? Because my staff and I are already hearing about such instances, and I hope we would have a hearing about these firings specifically. >> we will take it under advisement. >> I want a commitment. >> I will take it under advisement.
▶ 2:09:23Mr. Lyle: I have been meeting with the secretary, know what the conversations have been, also that it says they can appeal to their supervisor immediately to find out if -- and I would ask those who have come before you -- I mean, you have all stuck on your talking points very well, and I appreciate that. But that being said, to say there is not waste, fraud, and abuse.
▶ 2:09:49Mr. Lyle: But I don't do talking points, Mr. chairman. That is an insult. >> I apologize if you feel it is an insult, senator. I have listened to it over and over again. We are one month into this administration. That sent a clear message to try to cure the problems that exist in government today. Even the former administration admitted they open -- they over-hired after covid.
▶ 2:10:14Mr. Lyle: Now we need to make sure we are streamlining, doing the job necessary, and we do have the commitment from the secretary that no one's services are going to be lost. You as vso's, come forward and tell me if those are done. You met with the secretary yesterday. As this goes on -- we are one month into this. I appreciate that you have an opportunity to argue the political point. I'm telling you that I will stand for veterans like I always have.
▶ 2:10:44Mr. Lyle: I will continue to stand for veterans. >> I do not hear you -- >> I have told you we will take it under advisement. >> should we not hold a hearing on 2400 -- >> we are one month into this and I do not know which things to admit to, because we are still studying at ourselves. I will tell you I will take it under advisement, and in my position as chair I will do that. You don't need to tell me how to take my position as chair.
▶ 2:11:13Mr. Lyle: I didn't do that when you were chair and I don't appreciate in front of this group you doing it now. It is amazing to me that during this time you are bringing up this, but when we had sexual situations are cute occurring in the v.a., where they were running a sex room, you said nothing about firing those. >> Mr. chairman -- >> I'm going now, thank you. >> you held a hearing.
▶ 2:11:41Mr. Lyle: I advised you to allow the internal investigations to proceed with the inspector general. I did not subpoena one single official when I was chairman, when president trump was president. You issued several subpoenas. >> you are right I did, because people need to know. >> I think people need to understand why 24,000 people were fired. >> this administration has been answering those questions.
▶ 2:12:09Mr. Lyle: >> they have not provided a single bit of information. >> there has been. And when you put up the letter yesterday you put half the letter up. You did not put where the opportunity for the employee to do the appeals process. So, I understand that you are concerned. I'm glad you have the platform. You are doing a great job of holding group -- grabbing hold of that platform. >> please hold a hearing. That is all I'm asking to do.
▶ 2:12:39Mr. Lyle: >> I understand that. With that, welcome to the v.a. Committee that is so bipartisan. [laughter] look, I want to thank the american legion and all of the witnesses for being here today. We share your values and I want to think the audience members for coming in from every corner of this united states to be here today.
▶ 2:13:05Mr. Lyle: Let me tell you, for purposes, when this panel is excused, if you would -- because we know this room so well, alright? If you could go out that door when we are bringing new -- bringing the new panel in? I do want to say thank you to each one of you, and all of my other -- thank you, legionnaires. And I thank you that I'm part of your organization.
▶ 2:13:30Mr. Lyle: It has been a pleasure to serve you and will be continuing to serve you, and we will work through any of the issues as they come forward. Thank you so much. You are excused. [applause]
▶ 2:19:33Mr. Lyle: >> take your seats. We would like to welcome the second panel. We have a lot of important organizations to hear from on this panel, so let's get right to it. Today we are joined by major gary ginsburg of the jewish war veterans. Lindsay church of the minority veterans of america. Mr. michael mclaughlin of the national association of county veterans service officers.
▶ 2:20:04Mr. Lyle: Commander rene campos of the military officers association of america. Mr. timothy sheppard at the national association of the state directors of veterans affairs. Mr. raymond toenniessen of the nello institute of veterans military families, syracuse university. And lieutenant general walter piatt, of wounded warrior project.
▶ 2:20:35Mr. Lyle: Again, welcome to all of you, and also to members of the audience. Commander ginsburg, you are now recognized for your opening statement.
▶ 2:20:49Cmdr. Ginsburg: Thank you. Members of the house and senate committee on veterans affairs and my fellow veterans, ladies and gentle man, I am gary ginsburg, united states army reserve. In the 93rd national commander of the jewish war veterans of the united states our mission is clear to support america's 17 million veterans and family members gross of race, religion, or gender.
▶ 2:21:18Cmdr. Ginsburg: We have a jewish war veterans organization because, quite frankly, you might be the only veterans organization whose loyalty to this country is sometimes questioned. The -- we remain opposed to bigotry and anti-semitism, amount of the target. Our leadership was pleased to meet with the chairman last year and some issues are being addressed.
▶ 2:21:39Cmdr. Ginsburg: We urge the committee to help slay the dragon of hatred, bigotry, and anti-semitism with executive branch oversight, with a little bit of education, training, and prevention. Research shows that about a percent of our veterans right now, over one million persons, are food insecure.
▶ 2:22:10Cmdr. Ginsburg: We urge congress to look at this and exercise appropriate oversight. We also recognize that right now veterans are facing challenges with employment this year. They are an asset to our nation, often inspiring young men and women to step forward and where the cloth of our nation. We are concerned about some of the cutbacks and staffing, although we know it is early in the administration. We think some of this is very hasty.
▶ 2:22:39Cmdr. Ginsburg: We think cutbacks should be more precise and, quite frankly, the train needs to slow down a little bit. Some are being affected by the cutbacks.
▶ 2:23:03Cmdr. Ginsburg: The jewish war veterans have long supported the major star act, and we urge swift passage, because now is the time to address the payoffs that facing almost 45,000 combat veterans to receive their appropriate dod retirement pay and v.a. Disability compensation. We also are concerned about veteran suicide and the current trends.
▶ 2:23:31Cmdr. Ginsburg: We know about 20 or 22 veterans a day commit suicide, but veterans are roughly 6% of our nation. They comprise approximately 15% of the suicide cases in recent years. Recently we have learned about a new bill introduced into the current session of the house, hr 439. While we are reviewing the details it is entitled to veteran, foreign medical coverage, quality, act of 2025.
▶ 2:24:04Cmdr. Ginsburg: The jewish war veterans urges the committee to review this legislation quickly and take appropriate action concerning our service-connected veterans who reside overseas.
▶ 2:24:19Cmdr. Ginsburg: We probably have american citizens who reside in 24 time zones around the world and we know we have veterans who reside overseas -- we have veterans who reside in israel, and want to see them receive the appropriate support as they have served honorably in defense of this nation. The jw vee is concerned about women veterans and some of the unique situations there. They are the fastest-growing group of veterans in the v.a. System.
▶ 2:24:47Cmdr. Ginsburg: We support addressing some of the specialize health care with respect to our women veterans, whether it is increasing cancer screenings, improving mental health, accessing infertility assistance,m and of course reducing intimate partner violence. We urge to fully implement all portions of the deborah samson act.
▶ 2:25:10Cmdr. Ginsburg: As I get to my concluding remarks I am reminded in 1945 following the battle of iwo jima and navy chaplain offered a statement during the memorial service for the marines that fell at iwo jima. That bipartisan spirit is necessary today. I also urge the committee going forward, every decision you make, please consider it as if it was your own son or daughter, family member, or best friend.
▶ 2:25:40Cmdr. Ginsburg: At this time I thank you for the opportunity to testify before the joint committee of the house and senate. I thank you very much and that concludes my comments. I look forward to any questions. >> I would now like to recognize lindsay church for her opening statement.
▶ 2:26:02Ms. Church: Members of the committees, I said with you today is the voice of millions. Millions of veterans who have served this country with honor, only to be met with indifference, discrimination, and systemic barriers when they hung up their uniforms. Veterans who, despite their sacrifice, find themselves battling for the most basic of rights.
▶ 2:26:31Ms. Church: Health care that meets their needs, a roof over their heads, and the dignity to live free from political attacks on their very existence. I also sit before you as a third-generation navy veteran and proud changed inter-american. My family has dedicated their lives to service in and out of uniform. I brought them with me today in the form of dog tags. We have fought across generations for an america that is barely recognizable.
▶ 2:27:02Ms. Church: This data veteran services in this country is imperiled we are watching the gutting of the department of veterans affairs, an institution that is supposed to be the back veteran care. Thousands of v.a. Employees, many of them veterans themselves, have been indiscriminately fired overnight. Jeopardizing the quality and accessibility of care for millions. Veterans are being turned into collateral damage in a war of political posturing. This is not governance.
▶ 2:27:30Ms. Church: This is negligence at best and willful cruelty at worst. Her community is under attack. I'm ready veterans, those who are black, ditching this, women, lgbtqi, religious minorities, immigrants, disabled, are being told through policy and practice that our service, our sacrifices, and lives do not matter.
▶ 2:27:55Ms. Church: Executive orders and legislation are being wheeled his -- fielded as weapons to strip away our rights. Critical health care is being gutted. Reproductive care, and mental health support, are being dismantled under the guise of government efficiency. And let's not pretend this is about efficiency. This is about erasure. We refused to be erased.
▶ 2:28:19Ms. Church: [applause] minority veterans have fought and sacrificed for this country. Often serving in times when we were denied full rights and recognition. It is our nation's duty to uphold their rights and ensure we have access to health care benefits. Housing, employment opportunities. And protections against discrimination.
▶ 2:28:49Ms. Church: Getting the very institutions designed to support veterans will only widen existing disparities and push more people into crisis. So, today I ask the committee, will you continue to allow veterans to be used as pawns in a game we never signed up to play? Or will you fight for us the way we fought for this country? We are not here to beg. We are here because the stakes are life and death. We are calling on congress to act, boldly and decisively.
▶ 2:29:20Ms. Church: Reinstate and protect the workforce. Stop the rollback of critical services. Ensure that every veteran, regardless of their identity, has a safe place to call home. Fund programs that prevent suicide rather than offering lipservice while cutting the very services that save our lives. All veterans swore an oath to the constitution of this nation, and in return this nation made a promise to its veterans. That promise does not come with an asterisk.
▶ 2:29:50Ms. Church: It does not come with conditions. And it does not disappear when it becomes inconvenient. We are here to make sure you keep it. Thank you. [applause]
▶ 2:30:02Sen. Bost: -- Rep. bost: thank you. [applause] thank you. I would now like to recognize Mr. mclaughlin for five minutes to your opening statement.
▶ 2:30:24Mr. Mclaughlin: Thank you. Distinguished members of the committee, on behalf of the national association of county veterans service officers I extend our deepest gratitude for the opportunity to address this session. It is a unique organization in that all of our leadership work is accredited veteran representatives, advocating for veterans in their local communities.
▶ 2:30:50Mr. Mclaughlin: We comprise the v.a.'s biggest partner refer -- varner resource that helps ensure as a nation we continue to care for those who have served. We understand the veterans' experience, as well as how to better support the v.a. Our members are often the first point of contact for your very own congressional offices as you assist your veteran -- veteran constituents. It is through this lens that I offer this testimony in the hopes we may better support our nation's veterans.
▶ 2:31:25Mr. Mclaughlin: We wish to express our gratitude for the passage of the senator elizabeth dole 21st century veterans health care benefits improvement act. This includes several provisions aimed at improving services for veterans and their services, notably section 302. It marks a historic first step in providing funding until local tso -- gso's. Delivering veterans -- veteran services is most effective when it collaborates at the local level. Funding alone is not enough.
▶ 2:31:56Mr. Mclaughlin: Stronger partnerships remain essential. One immediate step be to ensure that the veterans benefits improvement act of 2024, section four, is completed expeditiously. This can serve as a roadmap for transforming veteran services into a combined effort by mobilizing all levels of government to meet the needs of veterans efficiently and effectively. As v.a.-accredited representatives our members worked tirelessly to help veterans submit most claims possible.
▶ 2:32:26Mr. Mclaughlin: However there have been growing concerns about the overdevelopment of disability claims. Macron issue that wastes taxpayer dollars to the unnecessary scheduling of disability exams. We appreciate that leadership has engaged with stakeholders on this. We recognize these challenges stem from many complex issues and is not done by v.a. We encourage this body to amend how v.a. Is required to implement terra exams.
▶ 2:32:53Mr. Mclaughlin: For example, by ensuring that when the veteran has a confirmed terra it does not trigger an unnecessary examination while other forms of service connection are obvious. The v.a. Can reduce expenses while streamlining a favorable outcome for the veteran. We urge greater adherence to the process which is designed to improve efficiency and reduce the number of exams. We stand ready to work with v.a. And this body to improve terra and restore the process.
▶ 2:33:23Mr. Mclaughlin: To ensure that claims and decisions are timely, accurate, and fiscally responsible. While it is not immediately an issue before this body we would like to publicly approach -- oppose any legislation that would seek to means test it v.a. Disability. A veterans service connected is not tied to economic impediments, but also considers social and familial impairments. I'm the proud as of a vietnam veteran who is wounded during the tet offensive.
▶ 2:33:58Mr. Mclaughlin: My father was able to find and secure employment, all while waging daily battles to prepare himself physically and mentally for work each day. The current economic means test would have punished him for his decision to seek employment. My father and other veterans paid the price every day and this price continues. What cost can we assign to my father's inability to teach his daughter how to swim or ride a bike? Can we name the price for his six-year-old son, knowing what phantom pains are for a like that no longer exists?
▶ 2:34:28Mr. Mclaughlin: In addition, any policy intending to means test these disabilities disregards the true price that veterans and their families have paid a price they will pay for the rest of their lives. Such means testing would break our country's sacred promise and shadow president lincoln's commitment to care for him who shall have won the battle, his widow, or his orphan.
▶ 2:34:57Mr. Mclaughlin: Lastly, continue working alongside the v.a. To hold accountable claims consultants who continue for-profit representation of initial v.a. Claims. We believe that no person who has taken the oath of service to this country should ever have to leverage their earned benefits to simply gain access to those benefits. As such we humbly employ this body to look at every means possible to provide agency support to the services.
▶ 2:35:25Mr. Mclaughlin: Chairman, ranking members, members of the committees, on behalf of the inacio bso, I look forward to our continued work together to serve our nation veterans and for --
▶ 2:35:42Rep. Bost: I would like to recognize rene campos for her statement.
▶ 2:35:51Ms. Campos: I invite our staff today. They represent over 350,000 members whose voices strengthen our advocacy. We thank you for the opportunity to share our veteran priorities. [applause] let me begin by commending your work last year on the dole act. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and bipartisan support, in achieving meaningful reforms.
▶ 2:36:22Ms. Campos: Yet much remains to strengthen support to veterans. He was a short list. For veterans health care it is passing the veteran caregiver reeducation, reemployment, and retirement act. Just as veterans answeredhe call to serve their nation, their caregivers also answered the call to step up and serve them.
▶ 2:36:48Ms. Campos: These caregivers sacrificed their own futures, having a financial security, career advancement, and personal well-being, to care for our nation's heroes. Yet when caregiving ends, whether it is due to ineligibility for veteran services or the passing of their loved one, many are left struggling to rebuild their lives. For example, one son cared for his father for a decade.
▶ 2:37:16Ms. Campos: When that role ended he faced difficulty entering the workforce due to employment gaps. A return ship program as proposed in this bill would provide crucial reemployment opportunities. This act fulfills our nation's promise to those who sacrificed so much. It empowers caregivers financially while potentially reducing long-term reliance on federal assistance. We urge congress to pass this legislation.
▶ 2:37:49Ms. Campos: We also seek action to strengthen support for women and other underserved veterans by eliminating barriers to health care. These veterans faced limited provider availability, lack of awareness of benefits, the experienced longer wait times, and disparities in health care outcomes. And they faced challenges due to income, education, and other systemic barriers that create inequities in accessing vital services.
▶ 2:38:23Ms. Campos: Moma urges congress to pass the menopause care for veterans act to enhance care for women veterans and reintroduce the saves act to expand benefits for survivors of mst. For veterans benefits we ask your support in ending the wait for the toxic exposed veterans by codifying framework for the presumptive process.
▶ 2:38:47Ms. Campos: The pack act was certainly historic, but veterans still wait decades for recognition of toxic exposures. Since world war I only 30 exposures have been recognized, taking an average of 34 years to establish presumption. The ending the weight report highlights the urgent need to improve the presumptive process.
▶ 2:39:12Ms. Campos: We urge congress to codify a framework that he knowledges exposure and its risk, concedes exposure when justified, and commits ongoing research linking exposures to health care outcomes. This framework is an essential first step to delivering the health care and benefits earned.
▶ 2:39:33Ms. Campos: Additionally, we encourage congress to focus on improving the transition services for service members by including vso's demo the process.
▶ 2:39:50Ms. Campos: The benefits, delivery of discharge program, helps expedite the claims process, but excluding bso's includes unnecessary risks as a bso and mso, mo way leverages is expertise to bridge the gap between military and civilian communities. Including bso's in tap would provide service members with the essential guidance they need.
▶ 2:40:19Ms. Campos: We ask congress to reintroduce and pass the cap promotion act. Finally, we urge congress to immediately pass this year's v.a. Funding and secure fy 2076 appropriations by october 1. -- fy 2026 appropriations by october 1. Meeting the growing needs of veterans and their families and fulfilling congressional mandates without disruption.
▶ 2:40:48Ms. Campos: Moaa thanks you for your leadership and we stand ready to work with congress to hold our nation's promises and ensure every veteran receives the care and benefits they earned thank you, and I welcome your questions.
▶ 2:40:59Rep. Bost: Thank you. Now recognizing Mr. sheppard for five minutes for your opening statement.
▶ 2:41:07Mr. Sheppard: Thank you, chairman. I am tim shepard, president of the national association of state directors of veteran affairs. Please accept our submitted written testimony for the record. Nasdva was founded to unite v.a. Leaders from all 50 states, five U.S. territories, and the district of columbia.
▶ 2:41:38Mr. Sheppard: Nasdva is held accountable by our respective governors, state boards, commissions, to address the needs of our veterans. Although each state or territory is unique in its organizational structure programs and resources, we are front-line advocates for our nation's 18 million veterans with a common goal of conducting outreach and serving them. Importantly, we partner with the federal v.a. And community partners. While the relationship between federal v.a.
▶ 2:42:07Mr. Sheppard: And nacvso -- in a s dba -- nasdva, the most important v.a. Grant programs with v.a. Are the state veterans home construction program and the veterans cemetery grant program. The state veterans homes provide more than 50% of the total v.a.
▶ 2:42:35Mr. Sheppard: Long-term care in 171 operational homes, with over 30,000 beds of care. There are 81 group 1 one projects which requires roughly $1.3 billion for the federal 65% match.
▶ 2:42:51Mr. Sheppard: Both are -- both our association and the national association of state veterans homes recommends increased funding from the proposed budget only 147 million, to at least 650 million to address the increasing need for nursing care and fund at least half of the pending grant requests.
▶ 2:43:14Mr. Sheppard: Additionally, the operational costs warrant an increase in per diem rates to enhance the quality of care in the face of chronic shortages of health care professionals, rising costs of medications, and the increase in the complexity of care for the aging veterans population.
▶ 2:43:33Mr. Sheppard: For memorial affairs the veterans cemetery grant program provided roughly 43,000 internment's in 2024, which is roughly 24% of the total umbel -- number of burials by ncaa and grant cemeteries.
▶ 2:43:49Mr. Sheppard: There are 122 state tribal and three territory grand-funded cemeteries that support v.a.'s cool that 95% of veterans have a burial option within a 75 mile radius of their home county. The fy 2025 budget proposal is only 60 million. Priority group one projects are for expansion and improvement of existing cemeteries and totals more than 100 million.
▶ 2:44:21Mr. Sheppard: The funding is insufficient to award grants for new state or tribal cemeteries. The program needs an increase to at least $120 million to address priority group two establishments. Address priority group two establishments. For the 9 million veterans receiving health care, we recommend continued emphasis by v.a. To ensure veterans are provided timely access.
▶ 2:44:47Mr. Sheppard: We recommend the external provider scheduling program be expanded nationally to include direct care availability which gives the veterans in comparison between v.a. And community providers. The focus should be on the veterans medical needs whether in-house, v.a. Or by community care. Which is v.a. Care.
▶ 2:45:12Mr. Sheppard: The scheduling of appointments needs improvements and reimbursements should be prompt. The coordination of available care is the key. We support the oversight to hold v.a. Accountable for the rollout of the electronic health records system modernization. It is a complex software that is taking too long to deploy. V.a. Needs to address current system challenges highlighted by users and future I.t. Issues.
▶ 2:45:45Mr. Sheppard: V.a. Should continue to conduct assessment and have a strategic roadmap for completion. In conclusion I want to reemphasize again that we are a government to government partner with the federal v.a. And we are second only to them in the direct delivery of services geared distinguished committee members, we appreciate your work to improve the well-being of our nation's veterans.
▶ 2:46:13Mr. Sheppard: It is our honor for us to be part of admission. Thank you. >> you army guys. The marines, we just do it different. You are recognized for your opening statement. >> thank you.
▶ 2:46:35Mr. Sheppard: Members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to present the 2025 policy priorities of the institute for veterans and military families at syracuse university. Our nation's all volunteer force relies in our shared commitment to ensure that veterans and their families not only survive but truly fries -- truly thrive.
▶ 2:46:59Mr. Sheppard: To achieve this we must address the complex challenges they face with proactive interventions, strong public-private partnerships and rigorous evaluation. Most critical, the v.a.'s recent national veteran suicide prevention annual report confirms that the rate of death by suicide remains unacceptably high. We know that health, economic and housing challenges rarely occur in isolation. Instead, each compounds the risk of suicidal ideation.
▶ 2:47:30Mr. Sheppard: Over the past decade initiatives like the america service program have been vital. Data shows that nearly 70% of veterans supported through america serves are also enrolled in v.a. Healthcare, a clear sign that when communities and the v.a. Work in tandem, they can address stressors more effectively and reach veterans who might otherwise be overlooked. Equally important is the role of programs like the staff sergeant parker gordon fox suicide prevention grant.
▶ 2:47:59Mr. Sheppard: As this program comes up for reauthorization, we value your commitment to enhancing it with improvements drawn from both grantee and advocate feedback. Enhancements will empower communities to act before it's too late. Additionally these comprehensive mental health interventions demand stronger accountability and we urge congress to establish standards for data collection and evaluation across the v.a. And its community partnerships.
▶ 2:48:29Mr. Sheppard: By setting clear outcome driven benchmarks we can ensure that every dollar is spent where it will have the greatest impact. Transitioning from military service presents its own challenges. Although most veterans pursue employment after service including further in their education, 62% remain underemployed 6.5 years after leaving the military.
▶ 2:48:52Mr. Sheppard: Meanwhile the government spends over $13 billion annually on transition programs primarily focused on education spread across 46 programs managed by 11 different agencies veterans crisis line the recent report found that few of these programs have undergone rigorous independent evaluation with 27 of the programs releasing no performance data at all. In contrast, nonprofit initiatives can deliver and show significant results.
▶ 2:49:22Mr. Sheppard: Our opportunity program provides skills training to over 10,000 transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses each year. As the only program evaluated by a third party, it is evidence that community led efforts can often operate more efficiently than their government counterparts. We encourage congress to allocate additional resources to nonprofits that demonstrate measurable positive outcomes will be to require evaluation of federal programs.
▶ 2:49:52Mr. Sheppard: Data from the veterans metrics initiatives, a comprehensive longitudinal study of post-9/11 veterans by penn state university to be instrumental in these much-needed reforms. Navigation of services remains a critical challenge.
▶ 2:50:07Mr. Sheppard: Findings from our latest blue star families lifestyle survey reveals that 36% of veteran spouses access transition resources through tap, underscoring the need for formal channels to access informal networks. Legislative measures should simplify resource navigation, shifting our focus from reactionary fixes to long-term economic and career preparation that prevents crises and secures lasting stability.
▶ 2:50:40Mr. Sheppard: Our veterans bring tremendous value to industries central to america's prosperity. Memory chip giant micron technology is investing in a military talent pipeline to help staff what will be one of the largest semi conductor manufacturing facilities in the country. All of this shows the targeted initiatives that can bridge the gap to high-tech careers and bolster our nation's energy and technology infrastructure. In closing, ensuring that our veterans and their families thrive is essential to the strength of our all volunteer force.
▶ 2:51:12Mr. Sheppard: This mission demands a coordinated whole of nation approach, one that cuts through bureaucratic hurdles, forages robust partnerships and is driven by clear results. The institute remain steadfast in its commitment to rigorous research and proven programs so that every veteran receives the support they deserve. I look forward to your questions. >> thank you. General, you are recognized for five minutes.
▶ 2:51:38Mr. Sheppard: >> ranking members and distinguished committee members, thank you for today through reading and for the honor to join you on behalf of wounded warrior project and the warriors and families we serve. Over 20 years ago when the first wounded service members returned from the battlefield, our organization promised to be there for them no matter what. That promise is our why.
▶ 2:52:12Mr. Sheppard: It is the reason wounded warrior project exists. To connect back to a path of life, hope and purpose. The future of service will require more. Warriors will continue to defend our country. Warriors will struggle. More will be asked of our grateful nation and all of us. No matter what is required, we must keep this promise.
▶ 2:52:38Mr. Sheppard: It is an extraordinary commitment in return for extraordinary sacrifice. As we look to the future, wounded warrior project remains committed to working with you. Your support will make all the difference in helping our nations wounded veterans thrive in life following military service. Next week 100 warriors from wounded warrior project will be coming to washington, D.C. to visit all of you. They will bring with them the experiences of struggle and uncertainty.
▶ 2:53:09Mr. Sheppard: They will also bring with them the power of hope and healing. They are the voices for their communities and will deliver the message of how we can best support them. They will specifically address three issues. Mental health, financial wellness and traumatic brain injury. They will share how you can support their mental health needs.
▶ 2:53:29Mr. Sheppard: They will ask for your help in passing a veterans access act which will set access standards for v.a.'s rehabilitation treatment programs. These programs provide life-changing mental health care to over 30,000 veterans in 2023. We appreciate all those who made this a priority. Our warriors will tell you how you can support their financial wellness.
▶ 2:53:56Mr. Sheppard: They will ask congress to pass a major richard starr act which will expand policy to more than 54,000 military retirees whose careers were cut short due to combat related injuries, allowing them to collect the full compensation through the v.a. And the dod that they have earned and deserved. They will also tell you how you can support veterans living with traumatic brain injury.
▶ 2:54:22Mr. Sheppard: They will asked for continued investment in research that explores the course of neurological and cognitive functioning after tbi and builds as it is to expand access to treatments for community-based support. Tbi is a complex injury with spectrum of long-term and short-term conditions. We must continue to support the study of impacts on repetitive low-level blast injuries on veterans mental health. As we have with efforts like the precision brain health research act of 2024.
▶ 2:54:55Mr. Sheppard: I am grateful so many of you have made time to meet with these warriors next week where they can share their experience with these issues and the lasting impact your support has had all their lives, their families and their communities. I sincerely thank you for the honor to testify and for all you do in helping us keep the promise. Thank you for all you do. I look forward to your questions. [applause] >> thank you.
▶ 2:55:25Mr. Sheppard: I want to thank each one of you for your testimony. We will now go to questions. I will recognize myself or 3 minutes. Commander, why is it so critical to hold the v.a. Accountable in its efforts to improve access to residential treatment options? >> thank you for that question. It is really important that v.a. Expands its services to our programs. Most of the v.a.
▶ 2:55:54Mr. Sheppard: Cannot and is unable to deliver those services completely through its own systems so we need that care in the community. Those services are vital and that is where the veterans are. It is especially important in rural areas where the v.a. Does not have a footprint. Those programs are very important. We would also like to see some other expansions even in terms of mental health with the vet center so it is more in the community.
▶ 2:56:24Mr. Sheppard: It is very well received by veterans. They feel comfortable going to those centers and would like to see the continued expansion. >> thank you. Mr. sheppard, there is currently a major focus on providing adequate care for our veterans both within the v.a. System and throughout the community care providers. How has legislation such as the mission act been beneficial to strengthen ties between the v.a. And community care providers?
▶ 2:56:50Mr. Sheppard: Thank you for that question. I will speak on my own situation. I find that community care is incredibly important and available. If there is one thing I have seen between care at the v.a. Versus community care, the process for scheduling is a little clunky.
▶ 2:57:21Mr. Sheppard: I think the v.a. Has gotten better at that. But more importantly, the quality of the community care has been outstanding. I see it across the nation that we continue to grow and improve in our ability to work those two together and read the idea that it is in the best interest of the veteran, get them to the
▶ 2:57:53Mr. Sheppard: Right care and as quickly as you can. >> thank you. In the past veterans readiness and employment has been called the crown jewel of the v.a. By members of this committee. Recently the vre has had serious issues related to staffing and modernization. What steps should congress take to bring them back to the level that veterans deserve?
▶ 2:58:22Mr. Sheppard: >> thank you for the question and thank you for all you have done with this issue. Continue support there. I think we all have a role to play for our veterans to get access to this care. It is asked -- a lot to ask for the v.a. To do it all on their own but we will continue to bring the services our veterans need and deserve. >> thank you. You are recognized for 3 minutes for questioning.
▶ 2:58:51Mr. Sheppard: >> thank you and thank you for holding this important hearing. Thank you to the witnesses for being here. Your advocacy is invaluable as you know. I thank you all for what you do every day. Being advocates is a work of passion. It is a work of commitment. It is also critical to acknowledge the extraordinary courage it takes for some to be in this space. Lindsay, I want to be clear that I am grateful to you for your dedication.
▶ 2:59:23Mr. Sheppard: Your courage is extraordinary. At this moment of time it is a beacon of hope for many veterans across this country. Each and every veteran deserves equal respect. [applause] I hope all advocates agree that
▶ 2:59:54Mr. Sheppard: Every veteran earns that respect . When I speak with veterans, veteran service providers in my district, one priority comes up time and again, preventing veteran suicide and the reality is stark. Lindsay, the system has consistently failed those you represent and it has led to devastating health outcomes including high suicide rates.
▶ 3:00:21Mr. Sheppard: Lindsay, can you share how the trump administration's recent executive orders and mass firings have impacted the mental health resources available to your members? >> thank you. You are going to make me cry. Thank you for your remarks. Providers who serve trans patients are uncertain about what they can do, how they are expected to treat us and how they are going to be forced to discuss our care.
▶ 3:00:50Mr. Sheppard: My providers are unclear if they can even use the appropriate pronouns to address me. Non-consensually transgender veterans have had their birth sex returned to the records meaning that it has been revealed to everyone including a dental scheduler. My gender identity is a deeply personal part of my identity and heart of my health profile.
▶ 3:01:15Mr. Sheppard: Transgender veterans are making it impossible -- making impossible decisions about whether or not to continue to use care at v.a.. My own provider cannot even guarantee that I can be safe to continue to use care. I have to seek care outside of the v.a. Because I don't trust that I will be safe from doge data collection. I have my gender identity removed from my records because tiktok flagged it for doge and the secretary of the v.a. And the next day it was gone.
▶ 3:01:46Mr. Sheppard: It is unacceptable. We already had a transient veteran died by suicide on january 27 in syracuse, new york in a parking lot, like most of our veteran suicide, draped in a trance pride flag. We are dying and we will keep dying because the government is trying to erase us. We will not be erased but we will suffer unnecessarily and our providers have no idea what is going to be in balance. It is not only unethical.
▶ 3:02:18Mr. Sheppard: It is a first amendment violation, telling people that they have to miss gender as is unethical. It is against their code as a doctor. It is unacceptable and inhumane for people trying to get access to care. We deserve it. We should not have to beg to be treated as a regular person. We got by suicide at a higher rate than anybody at this table. Why are we being eradicated? Thank you. [applause] >> thank you.
▶ 3:02:52Mr. Sheppard: >> thank you. You are recognized for 3 minutes. >> lindsay, thank you for that very powerful message. To all of our veterans, thank you so much for being here. Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for your testimony today.
▶ 3:03:20Mr. Sheppard: In buffalo, new york we are dealing with a very specific issue as it pertains to veteran care at the v.a. Medical center. Following a chaotic and disturbing administrative issue, there were two leaders of that hospital who were pooled by the v.a., removed -- who were pulled
▶ 3:03:50Mr. Sheppard: By the v.a., removed for not just a lackluster performance but abhorrent administration of the healthcare that they were trusted to do to help our veterans get the care that they deserve. In this moment I am heartbroken to see what is happening with the cuts in the administrative jobs at the v.a. Across this country.
▶ 3:04:22Mr. Sheppard: 1400 of which happened in the last few weeks. When by the v.a.'s own account, there was already a shortage of 40,000 staff members. It is unconscionable. It should not be happening. But it is.
▶ 3:04:44Mr. Sheppard: Under this administration and the efforts of unelected billionaire elon musk who is running roughshod over our constitution and our veterans.
▶ 3:05:00Mr. Sheppard: Both of those who served our country and then decided to go into public service, including service disabled veterans, one third of the workforce in this country is made up of our veterans. Half of them are service disabled.
▶ 3:05:22Mr. Sheppard: We owe it to our veterans to prioritize their well-being, their livelihood, their place in the workforce of america and treat them like the heroes they are, not the way they are being treated. To hear what I'm hearing today and to know that these services are going to be cut, it is painful. It is unacceptable. We as a country are better than this. I yield back.
▶ 3:05:52Mr. Sheppard: [applause] >> ranking member, you are now recognized. You are recognized for 3 minutes. >> my first question is for Mr. laughlin.
▶ 3:06:27Mr. Sheppard: I want to thank you for the important work you do in connecting veterans with the v.a. And their earned benefits. I read in your testimony about the importance of strengthening partnerships between the v.a. And advocates. What is needed to achieve the strong relationships and how can congress help you. >> thank you for that question. One of the big things we are asking for is increased collaboration and communication between all levels of government.
▶ 3:07:00Mr. Sheppard: Right now we appreciate the relationships we have with state partners, our federal partners. It is very much siloed. Looking at that report as part of the act that is directing v.a. To report back to you all with recommendations on how we can increase community frontline resources for veterans, not at a regional office, not at a veterans live.
▶ 3:07:27Mr. Sheppard: Colonies, states and municipalities are where our veterans live. They don't live at the medical center. They don't live at the regional office. Increasing the collaboration and formalizing the relationship similar to the department of justice with our county attorneys and sheriffs and local law enforcement. If we can get together on board as a united front federal, state and local, I think our veterans are old for us to coordinate all efforts on their behalf. >> thank you.
▶ 3:08:00Mr. Sheppard: Lindsay, we have discussed many times the v.a.'s issues with gender and your concerns. How can our committee's best impact the prevalence of harassment at the v.a.? >> thank you for the question. The greatest thing this committee can do is oversight. The 5303 preventing gender-based harassment. Not revealing gender is a really important part. Second of all, gender-based harassment and discrimination claims are up 106%.
▶ 3:08:32Mr. Sheppard: That is a travesty that this committee has focused on. Continuing that oversight, making sure we strengthen provisions of deborah sampson, focusing on strengthening the reporting mechanism and how to report in a system where we don't trust the environment that we are going into? Discrimination cases will continue to go up. So are harassment cases in a culture that is permissive.
▶ 3:08:54Mr. Sheppard: Continuing oversight and making sure the reports are actually independent -- there are two reports that they tried to consolidate, making sure that the reporting on deborah sampson is pure, that we can see the data and the facilities that are in trouble. We continue to see an obscure amount of data in instances at a v.a. Facility. They should be in remediation but we cannot see that.
▶ 3:09:18Mr. Sheppard: Making sure we have proper oversight over the entire mechanism is deeply important to addressing the issue of harassment. Thank you. >> I want to thank all of you for being here today. That concludes today's hearing and I want to thank -- I think it is clear the committee is collaborating with v.a. And has more work to do in service to our veterans and their families. We will continue to carry out that work.
▶ 3:09:48Mr. Sheppard: I ask unanimous consent that all members will have five days in which to revise and extend the remarks and include any extinguished material. Dear -- there being no objections, so ordered, this hearing is now adjourned.