07/18/2026
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American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley's issued the following statement on July 17 about the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act:
The American Legion has never backed down from a fight for veterans. We did not quit on the GI Bill or Agent Orange, and we won't now.
The Veterans Act includes more than 60 measures that will benefit tens of millions of veterans and their families — especially Gold Star families, combat-injured medically retired veterans, surviving spouses, and caregivers. It includes critical funding for expanded su***de prevention programs and tens of billions of dollars for veterans’ programs are at risk if Congress fails to act.
We will not be distracted by misinformation or fear-mongering. The facts matter: TCAVA includes no retroactive cuts. VA/OMB will make rating changes by regulation regardless of what happens to TCAVA, and future veterans rated under the new rules will still have a stronger VA healthcare and benefits system that works for them. The question is not between TCAVA and a perfect bill. The question is whether those savings will support veterans programs or be lost to the Treasury.
Those who endorse AND oppose TCAVA have supported efforts in Congress to pass all of these bills for years. But notably, those who continue to oppose this bill have not offered a realistic alternative to secure these critical reforms. Passing a “clean” bill waiving PAYGO has not happened, despite years of bipartisan effort for a slew of these bills, and will not happen now. Finding another DOD or VA offset has not happened. Those claiming otherwise are not being objective or forthright. Too many people have already waited years - in some cases decades - for these critical reforms. And none of these hypothetical options will stop VA/OMB from finalizing the rule.
We stand with 22 other veterans and military service organizations who have joined this call.
A postponed vote does not mean the fight is over. We will continue to work with members of Congress and staff in both chambers, of both parties, to find a way forward. The time to act is now. Contact your members of Congress to urge them to pass TCAVA. We urge Congress to bring TCAVA to a vote as soon as possible and pass the bill.
As the voice of nearly 3 million members of The American Legion family, we remain fully committed to this fight!
