NOVA hosted its annual Hill Day on Thursday, March 20. Over fifty members shared their stories with congressional staffers. Discussion of our legislative priority goals, and the challenges facing VHA were topics of the day.

As we continue to see rapid changes within VHA, please know that NOVA is closely monitoring and communicating with Hill staff about their impact on employees and Veteran care.

I encourage all of you to contact your Members Congress regarding what is happening at your VA facility and continue discussions with your leadership about how these changes affect you.

Both House and Senate VA Committee sites have links to “tell your story “Anonymously.”

Contact Ranking Member - U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Submit Your Story | Contact | The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs

U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs

More than ever, your voice is critical during this time. Nurses remain one of the most respected professions across the country and your perspectives are valued!

A reminder that NOVA’s 2025 Legislative Priority Goals for the 119^th Congress is on the NOVA website and available to use as a guideline for talking with Members and staff – in the District or State.

We also have several statements on the website pertaining to the many executive orders, emails and memos coming out of the Administration and Office of Personnel Management.

To read our legislative priorities :NOVA Releases 2025 Legislative Priority Goals Urges Congress to Safeguard VA - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

For our latest statement: NOVA Leaders Respond to New Administration Challenges - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

Congress continues to introduce Veterans legislation at a quick pace – several bills NOVA is monitoring include:

H.R. 740/S.275, Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025

H.R. 472, S. 124, Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025

H.R. 657, VA CPE Modernization Act

S. 219, Veterans Health Care Freedom Act

H.R. 2234, the Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act

S. 183, FY 2025 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act

For Bill text/ Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Again, I cannot stress the importance of your advocacy and influence. As nurses what you say matters and educating your lawmakers – both House & Senate – as to what you need to provide timely access to high quality healthcare is critical.

We are always looking for more members to help us advocate and be a part of the NOVA Legislative Committee. If interested, please contact me at tmorris@vanurse.org.

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