The past month has been quite remarkable on the Hill. The House of Representatives was without a speaker for over 3 weeks, which meant that nothing was taking place – no hearings, no legislation introduced, no funding bills debated or voted on. But, on October 25, a new speaker was elected – Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA) - and now a rush to complete critical year-end items is underway.

Many of the items are vital to a working government to include FY 2024 funding for VA and other agencies as well as a slew of Veterans bills that could change how VA provides healthcare.

NOVA believes and strongly advocates that VA provides the highest level of coordinated care in a setting that understands Veterans medical needs.

We continue to work with VA House and Senate Committees on our legislative priorities to include passage of S. 10, VA Careers Act which will enhance VA’s efforts to bolster recruitment, retention, hiring and salaries for VHA staff.

For talking points on S.10 – VA Careers Act

  https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.vanurse.org/resource/resmgr/2023_files/s._10_talking_points_2023.pdf We also would like to have a continuing education benefit for nursing professionals included in what may be a larger Veterans package. It is also important that Congress/VA review salaries and market surveys, especially in high-cost living areas across the US.

There is good news from the Federal Government that for 2024, the across-the-board base pay increase will be 4.7 percent and locality pay increases will average 0.5 percent, resulting in an overall average increase of 5.2 percent for civilian Federal employees. This would go into effect in January 2024.

It was wonderful to see so many of you at the NOVA Annual Meeting in Las Vegas in October, the enthusiasm was infectious. Many of you helped advocate for your facilities and other nurses by delving into questions about policy with House and Senate VA Committee staff and our partners in the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC).

Relaying your experiences and struggles is critical. If you are ready for the next step – watch your email for a Call for New Members to join the Legislative Committee and save the date for our 2024 Hill Day – March 7, 2024.

Speaking up and advocating for what you need to take care of Veterans is key to VA and its sacred mission.

Stay Tuned!