Policy Vets Briefs is the online newsletter of Policy Vets and provides information of importance to veterans and the veterans’ advocacy community. Policy Vets Briefs is published every two weeks and made available without charge. | |
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Biden Made the Final Call on Space Command Basing. Was the Air Force Out of the Loop? - President Biden's unexpected decision shifted the U.S. Space Command's headquarters to Colorado Springs' Peterson Space Force Base, ending the Alabama-Colorado dispute. The move, contrary to earlier statements, surprised experts and led to political tensions. Accusations of political interference arose from Republicans, as the president's authority in military basing decisions typically doesn't involve strong opinions. The choice followed consultation with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and senior military leaders, aiming to ensure readiness and effective spacepower integration into global operations.. Military.com - Read more.
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Senate Passes Bipartisan Defense Bill, Setting Up a Clash With the House - The Senate has passed a comprehensive defense policy bill with a vote of 86 to 11, authorizing $886 billion for national defense over the next year. The bill includes a pay raise for troops, investments in missile and drone technology, and measures to enhance competition with China. Despite this bipartisan show of support, the bill's future remains uncertain due to expected contentious negotiations with the House of Representatives, which included divisive social policy mandates in their version of the bill. Senate Republicans avoided such conflicts in their version, leading to stark differences that could hinder the formation of a bipartisan final agreement. New York Times. Read more.
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Senator Reed Again Criticizes Senator Tuberville's Partison Hold on Merit-Based Military Promotions - In an unprecedented move, the U.S. Navy has become the third branch of the U.S. military without a Senate-confirmed leader due to a partisan Senate Republican blockade led by U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL). This historic occurrence has raised concerns, with U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticizing Tuberville's actions. Reed states that Tuberville's politicization of military promotions is detrimental to the chain of command and the military's preparedness for conflicts. Reed emphasizes that this issue is Republican-generated and calls for Tuberville's colleagues in Republican leadership to publicly oppose the blockade, as it undermines national security and disrupts military readiness. Newport Buzz. Read more.
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Gunning for More VA Privatization - During a recent debt ceiling dispute, House Republicans, who claim support for veterans, endorsed the Limit, Save, Grow Act that would have slashed Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) spending by 22%. This decision outraged veterans' organizations, sparking controversy and defensive responses from the Republicans. Eventually, due in part to public outcry, the VA budget was preserved in the debt ceiling deal. However, new bills are emerging in the Senate that aim to shift a larger portion of the VA's budget towards private-sector healthcare providers under the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP). This push for privatization, embodied in the HEALTH Act, has drawn bipartisan attention, with some lawmakers advocating for veterans to have more flexibility in seeking non-VA care. Despite such proposals, concerns arise over the potential negative impact on VA-run care quality, funding, and accountability, leaving veterans facing the choice between preserving the existing VA healthcare system or embracing the idea of increased private-sector options. The American Prospect - Read more.
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Transgender Troops, Vets Warned to Avoid Florida Over Discriminatory Laws - Transgender troops and veterans are being advised to avoid Florida due to discriminatory laws. The state's legislation has led to incidents like a transgender veteran being denied use of the women's restroom at a Veterans Affairs center, citing Florida law. Advocacy group SPARTA warns that these circumstances pose legal challenges for military members, even as they defend the nation's freedoms. The situation highlights the conflict between federal rules protecting transgender veterans and newly passed state laws. The policies in Florida and other states threaten transgender visibility and the well-being of veterans who face discrimination and harassment. The War Horse - Read more.
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Groups Applaud FY24 Appropriations Bill that Honors Commitment to Veterans, Protects Life - House Republicans are receiving praise for the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bills, particularly the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Act (H.R. 4366). The bill fully funds veterans' healthcare, benefits, and VA programs, while also countering the unlawful VA abortion rule from the Administration. It includes investments in military infrastructure to address China's influence and enhance servicemembers' quality of life. Various organizations commend the bill for protecting the unborn, opposing abortion funding through VA, and preventing divisive programs like critical race theory. The bill's passage through the House Appropriations Committee is seen as a significant conservative victory. Committee on Appropriations. Read More.
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Congressman Mark Takano Champions Veterans’ Rights And Stronger Ties To East Asia - In May, the U.S. House of Representatives achieved rare unanimity by passing the Korean American Vietnam Allies Long Overdue for Relief (VALOR) Act. Mark Takano (D-CA), a prominent lawmaker, led the effort to expand benefits for veterans who served in the South Korean armed forces during the Vietnam War and are now U.S. citizens. The bill aims to provide long overdue healthcare to around 3,000 Korean American veterans by allowing a reciprocal agreement with South Korea through the U.S. Allied Beneficiaries Program. This act not only bridges a gap in healthcare provision but also strengthens ties with South Korea, reflecting Takano's commitment to justice and bipartisan collaboration in delivering results for deserving veterans. Forbes. Read more.
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Veteran Service Organizations | |
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Applications Open for 2023-2024 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Student Veterans of America (SVA) are inviting applications for the 2023-2024 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship program, which gives student veterans an opportunity to engage with Congress and policymakers. The fellowship, now in its 10th year, brings selected student veterans to Washington, D.C. to meet with their members of Congress. Applicants must submit a 400-600 word essay and video proposal discussing the significance of veteran advocacy and their plans for community-based advocacy solutions. Past fellows have gained academic credit, internships, and employment opportunities through the program, with some even influencing legislation. The application deadline is September 6th, and selected fellows will attend the SVA National Conference before heading to Capitol Hill in March 2024 as part of the VFW Legislative Conference. Veterans of Foreign Wars - Read more.
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Bipartisan, Joint Effort Sparks Veterans Marijuana Research Bill - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Student Veterans of America (SVA) are inviting applications for the 2023-2024 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship program, which gives student veterans an opportunity to engage with Congress and policymakers. The fellowship, now in its 10th year, brings selected student veterans to Washington, D.C. to meet with their members of Congress. Applicants must submit a 400-600 word essay and video proposal discussing the significance of veteran advocacy and their plans for community-based advocacy solutions. Past fellows have gained academic credit, internships, and employment opportunities through the program, with some even influencing legislation. The application deadline is September 6th, and selected fellows will attend the SVA National Conference before heading to Capitol Hill in March 2024 as part of the VFW Legislative Conference. DAV - Read more.
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