My Friend,

Happy Military Appreciation Month. Our office has a deep commitment to ensuring you and your families receive the recognition, care, and resources you've earned and deserve. I’ve been outspoken regarding cuts to the federal workforce that directly impact constituents in our district and will continue to be outspoken. This week, I met with our new Secretary of Veterans Affairs and expressed concerns I've heard from many of you. I have emphasized that the Administration must approach savings with a scalpel rather than a sledgehammer. I also received confirmation that threats to close the Brooklyn VA and shift services from the Staten Island Clinic to New Jersey will not return. Our office will continue to closely monitor any staffing related cuts and be in contact with the VA and Trump Administration to ensure benefits to veterans are not impacted. 

Over the past five years, 130 billion dollars have been added to the VA budget, while the claims backlog has increased by more than 100,000, to a total of 232,207 claims. To make the agency more effective, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, is reviewing the VA's core functions to ensure that veterans are prioritized. Since increased money and people have not solved the problem in the past, reforming the VA's operations is necessary to implement real, effective change for Veterans, and improve the services they receive.

VA Secretary Doug Collins said, “These and other recent personnel decisions are extraordinarily difficult, but VA is focused on allocating its resources to help as many Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors as possible. These moves will not hurt VA health care, benefits or beneficiaries. In fact, Veterans are going to notice a change for the better. In the coming weeks and months, VA will be announcing plans to put these resources to work helping the department fulfill its core mission: providing the best possible care and benefits to Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.” 

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Over the past few weeks, the House has passed multiple bipartisan bills to ensure our veterans receive the care they’ve earned and to enhance the services they rely on. I’m also proud to continue cosponsoring legislation that supports and strengthens the well-being of our nation’s veterans.

Legislation Passed Out of the House

Clear Communication For Veterans Act - H.R. 1039

The bill would require the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contract with a third-party research entity to assess and improve notices that the VA sends to individuals who file claims for VA benefits. (Passed House 412-0 on 4/7/2025)

Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act - H.R. 586

The bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a study on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) in Vietnam-era veterans. (Passed House 411-0 on 4/7/2025)

Prioritizing Veteran' Survivors Act - H.R. 1228

The bill would amend current law to place the Office of Survivors Assistance under the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) is currently operating under the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). (Passed House 424-0 on 4/9/2025)

Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans - Act H.R. 965

Amends in statute HUD’s definition of annual income to exclude disability benefits received by a veteran for purposes of eligibility to qualify for housing built under the HUD-VASH program on veteran land. (Passed House 2/10/2025)

Defense & Veterans Highlights from Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 - H.R. 1968 (Signed into law 3/15/2025)

Provides the Department of Defense (DoD) with additional resources and tools necessary to counter international threats and protect the homeland including:

• A provision allowing DoD to enter into new contracts.
• $1.6 billion to support a pay raise for junior enlisted service members, as authorized by section 601 of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act.
• $2.5 billion to support the completion of 28 Navy ships.
• $3.3 billion in full funding and $6.2 billion in advance procurement to fund Columbia Class submarines.
• Includes $6 billion in mandatory funding in the Toxic Exposure Fund to fully meet veterans’ health care needs.
• In total, these anomalies increase defense discretionary spending by $6 billion.

Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act - H.R. 1336

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a five-year pilot program to furnish, under the Veterans Community Care Program, hyperbaric oxygen therapy to veterans with traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder.(Passed House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, sent to full committee 03/25/25)

FORT HAMILTON

VETERANS HIGHWAY

Our office joined Assemblyman Alec Brook Krasny and State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton to unveil Fort Hamilton Veterans Highway in Brooklyn. This is a fitting tribute to our veterans and to the Fort Hamilton Army Garrison who bravely serve our community and country.

MEETING WITH NEW YORK NATIONAL GUARD

I was proud to meet with representatives from the New York National Guard to discuss how Congress can support their efforts and strengthen the operational readiness of both the New York Army and Air National Guard. We are grateful for their dedicated service to our state and our nation.

RECOGNIZED BY U.S. NAVY, MEETS WITH MILITARY, FIRST RESPONDERS & BLUE STAR FAMILIES

I’m honored to have received the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award, signed by former Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, and I remain committed to ensuring our military has the resources and support they need. I was also proud to meet with members of our armed forces, first responders, and Blue Star families—reminding us that Congress must continue to provide the care and support they deserve long after their service to our nation and communities ends.

REINTRODUCED FAIR ACCESS TO CO-OPS FOR VETERANS ACT

I'm proud to partner with Rep. Grace Meng to reintroduce our bipartisan bill, the Fair Access to Co-Ops for Veterans Act. This legislation expands VA home loan eligibility to include co-ops, helping more veterans achieve homeownership and successfully transition to civilian life.

MEETING WITH STUDENT VETERANS OF AMERICA

I was pleased to welcome Fordham University President Tania Tetlow and members of the Student Veterans of America (SVA) to my office to discuss a variety of topics including the challenges facing student veterans.

HELPING NATIONAL GUARD VETERAN RECOVER WRONGFULLY PAID DEBT

Our office recently helped an Army National Guard veteran resolve a frustrating issue with Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). After paying off a substantial debt in February 2023, the veteran was shocked to find it had unexpectedly reappeared during deployment. For two years, he continued making payments on this erroneous debt with no resolution. Upon learning of his situation, our office immediately requested an expedited review from DFAS. In less than three weeks, we successfully secured a full reimbursement. We remain dedicated to ensuring our veterans receive the support and care they deserve. Our office is always here to assist service members in need.

Other Legislation I've Cosponsored

Supporting Veteran Families in Need Act - H.R. 585

Permanently extends authorization for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, which provides supportive services to very low-income veterans (and their families) occupying or transitioning to permanent housing.

Major Richard Star Act - H.R. 2102

Aims to eliminate the offset between DoD retirement pay and VA disability compensation for approximately 42,000 Chapter 61 veterans with less than 20 years of service who were medically retired due to combat-related injuries, ensuring they receive full concurrent benefits.

Fair Access to Co-ops for Veterans Act of 2025 - H.R. 1803

The legislation would expand the Veterans Home Loan Guarantee program to include co-ops, allowing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to guarantee co-op loans taken out by veterans. The bill would also direct the VA to advertise this co-op program to eligible veterans, participating lenders, and interested realtors.

Veterans Member Business Loan Act - H.R. 507

This bill excludes member business loans made to veterans from credit union aggregate loan limitations. 

Correcting Guam’s History in the PACT Act - H.R. 2149

Expands eligibility for a presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents for certain veterans who served in Guam.

Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act - H.R. 2605

To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to award grants to nonprofit organizations to assist such organizations in carrying out programs to provide service dogs to eligible veterans.

Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2025 - H.R. 1269

Expands the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program to cover service-related cancers

The Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025 - H.R. 740 

To improve the provision of care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs

The WWII Women’s Memorial Location Act - H.R. 2290

Would provide a memorial to commemorate the sacrifice and service of the women who worked on the home front and supported the efforts of the United States military during World War II.

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