Veterans Impact on Political Landscape
The role of veterans might be pivotal for Republican success in the 2024 election. Yet, looking ahead to 2026, reforms within the Veterans Affairs system could prove crucial for the party’s future. Two proposed bills, namely the Veterans Access Act and the Veterans Bill of Rights Act, aim to address significant flaws in the current system. Unfortunately, Democratic priorities appear to be elsewhere, focusing on using the Veterans Administration as a model for broader healthcare reforms.
This agenda isn’t subtle. Influential progressive Ezra Klein has described Philip Longman’s book, The Best Care Anywhere: Why Choose VA?, as one of the most vital social policy texts recently. The narrative suggests that not only do they defend the VA, but there’s also an intention to apply this healthcare model to the entire country.
The VA’s track record has been far from exemplary. A shocking scandal in 2014 at the Phoenix Veterans Health Care System involved officials creating a secret waiting list, misleading the public about wait times. This essentially concealed the reality that veterans were enduring unacceptable delays, with some even waiting over 115 days for primary care. Tragically, at least 40 veterans lost their lives while stuck on these hidden lists.
More recently, two veterans tragically took their own lives while under care at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Affairs Hospital in San Antonio in 2025. Mark Miller, a Navy veteran and mental health advocate, expressed his disillusionment with the care system during his final visit, describing staff as unfeeling and merely dispensing medication. His father has placed the blame squarely on the VA for failing to provide real support.
In December, Marine Corps veteran Enrique Ramos Jr. tragically ended his life from the very location where he sought help, underscoring the dire state of mental health care for veterans. These incidents highlight the critical need for change in the system that some are keen to expand nationwide.
Polling data from Veteran Action and Rasmussen Reports demonstrates that supporting veterans not only aligns with good policy, but also resonates politically. The Veterans Bill of Rights Act, which mandates that veterans be informed of their healthcare rights, enjoys overwhelming support—94%. Furthermore, 75% of voters are reportedly more likely to support candidates backing the Veterans Access Act (HR 740), which guarantees timely access to VA care or enables seeking outside treatment without extra costs if the VA is unable to deliver.
These sentiments transcend party lines, reflecting a shared concern for the veterans’ plight. Military voters have shown significant support for President Trump, yet there’s a gap when it comes to general Republican Congressional support. This disparity might influence control of the House in pivotal districts, suggesting that the GOP can’t afford to ignore this voter base.
Congress is on the brink of passing two significant bills: the Veterans Access Act, which would ensure timely care or alternative community options during VA shortages, and the Veterans Bill of Rights Act, aiming to clarify veterans’ existing rights. Rather than dismantling the VA, these reforms push it to perform effectively.
In summary, these proposed reforms are not only popular among veterans but could also save lives and help Republicans maintain control of the House. It’s now up to Republican leaders to prioritize these vital bills.
