Leading Veterans’ Organizations Call On Congress To Fix VA Funding

Veterans and surviving dependents could face financial disaster if budget shortfall not solved by Sept. 20 deadline

WASHINGTON (Sept. 9, 2024) - On Wed., Sept. 11, the nation's leading veterans' advocates are coming together to call on Congress to solve the Department of Veterans Affairs budget shortfall which would cause an unacceptable delay in receipt of benefits payments of veterans and their families. In July, the VA notified lawmakers they were going to experience a $2.88 billion funding gap for the remainder of fiscal year 2024 related to compensation and pension and readjustment benefit payments. Both the House and the Senate have proposed legislation that would cover the rest of the fiscal year; however, if the shortfall is not fixed by the Sept. 20 deadline, the approximately 7 million beneficiaries who depend on VA benefit payments may go without a check on Oct. 1. This loss of money could be detrimental for some recipients, many of whom are post-9/11 veterans, who depend on these checks for their livelihood.

WHAT: Leading veterans service organizations are holding a press conference to urge Congress to fix the VA's budget short fall immediately and highlight the dire consequences veterans and their families face come Oct. 1.

WHO: Eight Veterans Organizations with members who will be adversely affected by the shortfall will have the following speakers:

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - Al Lipphardt, Nat'l Cmdr.

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) - Robert Thomas, Nat'l Pres. & COB

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - Edward R. Resse Jr, Exec. Dir., Washington Headquarters

The American Legion - Julia Mathis, Nat'l Legislative Dir.

Military Officers of America Association (MOAA) - Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, USAF (Ret.), Pres. & CEO

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) - Candace Wheeler, Dir., Govt. & Legislative Affairs

Student Veterans of America (SVA) -Jared S. Lyon, Nat'l Pres. & CEO

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) - Jose Ramos, Vice Pres., Govt. & Community Relations

WHEN: Wed., Sept. 11, 2024, at 10 a.m. EDT

WHERE: Outside the VFW Memorial Building, 200 Maryland Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

Note: This event will be livestreamed to VFW Facebook Live Stream.

* In the event of inclement weather, the press conference will move inside to the 1st floor of the VFW Memorial Building.

###

About the VFW: The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is the nation's largest and oldest major war veterans organization. Founded in 1899, the congressionally chartered VFW is comprised entirely of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. With more than 1.4 million VFW and Auxiliary members located in nearly 6,000 Posts worldwide, the nonprofit veterans service organization is proud to proclaim "NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS" than the VFW, which is dedicated to veterans' service, legislative advocacy, and military and community service programs. For more information, or to join, visit our website at vfw.org.

About PVA: Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or diseases. The organization ensures veterans receive the benefits earned through service to our nation; monitors their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funds research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis. As a life-long partner and advocate for veterans and all people with disabilities, PVA also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, and provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families, and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Learn more at PVA.org.

About DAV: DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: keeping our promise to America's veterans. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them, fighting for the interests of America's injured heroes on Capitol Hill, providing employment resources to veterans and their families, and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a nonprofit organization with nearly 1 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. Learn more at dav.org.

About The American Legion: The American Legion is the largest wartime veterans' service organization with nearly 2 million members in 12, 875 posts across the nation. Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to service members and veterans. Learn more at legion.org.

About MOAA: MOAA is the nation's largest and most influential association of uniformed service officers and their surviving spouses. MOAA's more than 360,000 members represent every branch of uniformed service-including active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retired, former officers and surviving spouses. MOAA is the leading voice on compensation and all benefit matters for all members of the uniformed services community. Learn more at MOAA.org.

About TAPS: TAPS is the leading national organization providing compassionate care and survivor support services for the families of America's fallen military heroes. Since 1994, TAPS has offered support to all those grieving the death of a military loved one through peer-based emotional support, connections with grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, casework assistance, connections to community-based care, online and in-person support groups, and the 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline, all at no cost to surviving families. For more information, please visit TAPS.org or call 202-588-TAPS (8277).

About SVA: With a focused mission on empowering student veterans, Student Veterans of America® (SVA) is committed to providing an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom. Through a dedicated network of over 1,600 on-campus chapters in all 50 states and 4 countries, SVA aims to inspire yesterday's warriors by connecting student veterans with a community of like-minded chapter leaders. Every day these passionate leaders work to provide the necessary resources, network support, and advocacy to ensure student veterans can effectively connect, expand their skills, and ultimately achieve their greatest potential. For more information, visit us at studentveterans.org.

About WWP: Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers - helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more at woundedwarriorproject.org.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.