As we continue to tally up election results – a few House races have yet to be called at the deadline for this issue, it is a wonderful time to thank all of you for your advocacy and continued work supporting NOVA and those who care for Veterans.

Just a few final notes on the 118th Congress: It held over 150 hearings related to VA/Veterans and introduced more than five hundred Veterans bills with minimal policies clearing both House and Senate.

In recent years, instead of passing singular bills, larger Veterans packages (omnibus) containing provisions from many bills are put together which makes it a bit more difficult to reach an agreement, not to mention securing the votes to pass both House and Senate.

As I write this, this year’ omnibus package of Veterans bills included in the “Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, is still being negotiated. NOVA, alongside our partners, objected to a couple of provisions that we believe could erode internal funding and further jeopardize the VA healthcare system. The bill could pass if said provisions were modified to have clearer guardrails for community care providers seeking to join or remain part of the VA network.*

We continue to advocate for the inclusion of these guardrails and things to help healthcare providers within the VA- staffing, recruitment, and retention benefits.

I remind all of you of the importance of your advocacy and influence as the most respected profession. As nurses what you say matters and educating your lawmakers – both House & Senate – as to what you need to provide timely access to quality healthcare is critical.

I ask you to consider joining the NOVA Legislative Committee for 2025 and to meet us in Washington for our Annual Hill Day on March 20, 2025.

We will meet with members of the 119th Congress and remind them that VA remains the only Federal health system that provides the highest level of coordinated care. VHA also trains 70% of U.S. doctors as well as providing critical research that helps not just Veterans but the population at large.

You can volunteer for the Legislative, or any NOVA committee, here.

I have provided the links to both the House and Senate VA Committees so that you can review all hearings and legislation as we close out this Congress and move onto the next session:

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

Keep advocating for yourselves, Veterans, and the VA System!

*ALERT:  On Monday, November 18, the House passed the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.  The bill includes several critical provisions that will expand healthcare services and benefits for veterans.