Somewhere tonight, a veteran who retired due to health issues is grappling with a smaller paycheck than expected. This is because, under current laws, veterans must sacrifice part of their retirement pay to receive unpaid disability compensation.
Meanwhile, their caregivers—part of the 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers in the U.S.—are making their own adjustments. Their unpaid contributions amount to over $400 billion each year. Many have had to leave jobs, losing income and retirement savings, while also facing unexpected costs associated with caring for a loved one. They, too, are seeking the support they desperately need.
It’s a situation thrust upon them by Congress, which hasn’t taken action in years. Recently, there was supposed to be a vote in the House of Representatives to tackle this issue, but it unfortunately didn’t materialize.
We lead two national organizations that represent these families from different but interconnected perspectives. One advocates for veterans across the nation, while the other focuses on the caregivers supporting them. Together, alongside 21 other organizations, we are pushing for the Taking Care of America’s Veterans Act. We believe it’s high time to offer meaningful support to our veterans, their caregivers, and survivors who have made so many sacrifices for our country.
Congress has spent years recognizing the debts owed to these veterans and their families, often repealing amendments yet allowing beneficial bills to languish. This current proposal seeks to address more than 60 long-delayed priorities—like retirement benefits, caregiver support, and suicide prevention—so that those involved don’t continue to be left waiting.
Notably, the bill includes significant measures such as the Major Richard Starr Act, which aims to remove offsets that have negatively impacted the retirement benefits of over 59,000 combat-wounded veterans. Additionally, there’s the Shari Briley and Eric Edmundson Benefit Expansion Act, aimed at boosting benefits for survivors of the most severely injured, and the Love Lives On Act, which would allow survivors to retain their benefits even after remarrying. For the veterans recalculating their finances tonight, these aren’t just policies—they represent a stark gap between what has been promised and what is actually received.
This legislation symbolizes overdue support that the government has often failed to deliver. It’s precisely the kind of aid that helps veterans recover—not just alone, but surrounded by those who care for them most.
We understand that this package raises important questions about its funding. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposed revisions regarding sleep apnea and tinnitus that aim to cut costs. Despite pushback from large veterans organizations like the American Legion, the VA seems determined to finalize these changes by the year’s end.
The VA has confirmed that it will proceed with these modifications, leaving us with two choices: either the proposed rule is rescinded or the bill is passed, ensuring that any savings benefit the veterans and their families. If action isn’t taken, billions could revert back to the Treasury for unrelated uses, rather than supporting those who earned it.
Former North Carolina Senator Elizabeth Dole envisioned progress for caregiver families, including the veterans they care for. As America marks its 250th anniversary, it’s a time to honor those who served, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The veteran figuring out their finances tonight, along with their caregiver, are very much aware of what’s at stake.
What they’re not hearing is affirmation. The absence of a vote doesn’t lessen the urgency—it actually amplifies it. The votes in the House and Senate now stand as barriers to these essential benefits for the veteran community. Once those votes are cast in favor of this significant legislation, we’ll honor the sacrifices made by our veterans through action, not just words. Our organization is prepared to support both chambers in achieving this crucial goal. As tributes are paid, the bill becomes due.
