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Former VA Acting Secretary Peter O’Rourke Applauds Louisiana Legislature for Voting Overwhelmingly in Favor of SB 159: Protecting Veterans’ Rights with the Preserving Lawful Utilization of Services Act

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, May 23, 2024 — Former Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and President of the National Association for Veteran Rights (NAVR), Peter O’Rourke, applauds the Louisiana House Of Representatives for their resounding support of Senate Bill 159 (SB 159), the Preserving Lawful Utilization of Services for Veterans Act. SB 159, championed by Senator Stewart Cathey Jr., signifies a significant step forward in safeguarding the rights and choices of Louisiana’s Veterans.

National Association for Veteran Rights Supports Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Historic Grant Funding for Texas Veterans, Expanding Local Access to Vital Services

Washington, D.C. – The National Association for Veteran Rights (NAVR) commends Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) for their announcement of over $44 million in Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants to be distributed among 181 organizations across Texas. This unprecedented funding will significantly enhance services provided to Veterans and their families, marking the largest grant allocation in TVC history.

Former VA Acting Secretary Peter O’Rourke Urges Members of the Louisiana House Of Representatives to Pass SB 159: Protecting Veterans’ Rights with the Preserving Lawful Utilization of Services Act

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, – May 6, 2024— Peter O’Rourke, former Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and current President of the National Association for Veteran Rights (NAVR), urges Members of the Louisiana House Of Representatives to pass Senate Bill 159 (SB 159), the Preserving Lawful Utilization of Services for Veterans Act. O’Rourke, a U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force Veteran, emphasizes that SB 159, sponsored by Senator Stewart Cathey Jr., is crucial for safeguarding the rights and choices of Louisiana’s Veterans.

Veterans should be allowed to use private services to get benefits

During my time serving as a U.S. senator, many New Hampshire veterans contacted my office seeking help in navigating the complex and confusing process of filing a claim for disability benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Years have passed since I left the Senate, but the VA has failed to fix this broken system. The claims process is still excruciatingly bureaucratic, and veterans are still waiting far too long to get their benefits or are getting less than they deserve.

Rogers: Doing right by Iowa’s veterans

As the echoes of Veterans Day celebrations linger in our hearts and minds, it is essential to recognize that the significance of this day extends beyond the parades and expressions of gratitude. It is important to remember that when it comes to addressing the challenges faced by veterans in the Hawkeye State, their service matters. One truth is clear in the complex arena of policies and bureaucracy: Iowa’s 162,000 veterans deserve unparalleled support and service.

American Legion Signals Compromise In Battle Over Veteran Disability Benefits

One of America’s longest running inside-the-beltway battles on domestic policy took a turn for the better last month with the American Legion showing leadership among Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) over who can help millions of veterans file disability claims.

According to Military Times, Chanin Nuntavong, the Legion’s executive director broke ranks with his peer major VSOs, finally acknowledging that for-profit companies can join the benefits community to help alleviate hundreds of thousands of backlogged claims, provided they get accredited by the Veterans Administration (VA).

VSOs should back a PLUS Act that gives vets options

Disabled veterans are not stupid. Why are some members of Congress and even some Veteran Service Organizations acting like they are?

It’s no secret that the Department of Veterans Affairs has its challenges. I’m not here to attack the VA or the men and women who work there for all the right reasons. The department certainly has hurdles to overcome, from a six-figure backlog of disability claims to a ballooning budget to infrastructure and staffing issues. At the end of the day, we are grateful that our federal government dedicates massive resources to the cause of protecting and caring for those who have made untold sacrifices for our country.