Washington, D.C., June 18, 2026 —

The Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) strongly opposes the Take Care of
America’s Veterans Act. While the bill contains several provisions that would benefit Veterans
Health Administration (VHA) employees and the Veterans we serve, NOVA cannot support
legislation that funds new benefits by taking essential benefits away from other Veterans.

The bill’s proposed offset—using cuts to disability compensation for Veterans with service
connected tinnitus and obstructive sleep apnea to pay for the Major Richard Star Act and raising
home loan costs for other measures in the bill is unacceptable. Paying for benefits for one cohort
of Veterans by reducing or eliminating disability compensation for millions of others undermines
the very purpose of the legislation.

Additionally, the package includes more than 60 separate bills, several of which would further
weaken VA’s authority over the Veterans Community Care Program. These provisions would
divert funding away from internal VA programs, reduce resources for VA clinicians, and
ultimately diminish the access and quality of care that Veterans receive.

“VA has long demonstrated that it is uniquely qualified to care for Veterans. Expanding the use
of community care at the expense of VA services is costly and erodes the highquality, specialized
care that Veterans deserve,” NOVA President Michelle Salazar-Rodriguez said.

NOVA urges Congress to advance legislation that strengthens VA—not legislation that shifts
resources away from it or pits one group of Veterans against another.

For more About NOVA and our advocacy program - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

NOVA Releases 2026 Legislative Priority Goals

Urge Congress to Protect the VA Healthcare System  

Washington D.C., January 16, 2026 – The Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA), released its 2026 Legislative Priority Goals and is asking Congress to protect the VA healthcare system for Veterans and its committed workforce.

NOVA’s main goals for Congress are to secure sufficient funding for staffing, addressing rising community care costs, and promoting transparency within the VA reorganization to keep leadership and staff informed and effective in meeting the needs of veterans.

NOVA President, Michelle Salazar-Rodriguez, MSN, noted “It is essential that VA continue to be funded and provided the resources to hire and retain quality healthcare professionals, we must be able to continue to evaluate both clinical and administrative shortages and critical infrastructure to support the development of our future nursing workforce.”

Legislation that sends Veterans into the community and disrupts care coordination will result in fragmented care. Veterans deserve the high standard of care that is delivered at VA facilities across the country.

The VA workforce is facing staff shortages in all areas but continues to meet challenges every day. “We encourage Congress and the Administration to support these priorities so that VA can deliver timely access to the highest level of care our Veterans deserve,” she said.

NOVA continues to advocate for its healthcare professionals and believes that VA has proven it is uniquely qualified to provide care to Veterans in a setting designed to understand those who have served and sacrificed in today’s modern military.

Washington, D.C., May 21, 2025 — This week, NOVA participated in a Senate VA Committee
roundtable hosted by Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal. The discussion focused on the VA
workforce and its impact on Veterans’ access to care and benefits.

Legislative Committee Co-Chair Julie McLendon, DNP, PMHNP, represented NOVA at the
event. Other participating organizations included PVA, AFGE, NAVREF, NFFE, NNU, and the
Partnership for Public Service, all of whom spoke on this critical issue.

Committee members raised questions about vacancies being removed from organizational charts,
staffing shortages across the VA, and the number of employee departures since last year. The
committee also discussed research vacancies, employee burnout, morale, and workers’ rights.

Attendees addressed the rapid changes within VHA and how they are affecting Veterans’ access
to care and services.

Healthcare professionals continue to play a vital role during this period of change. Nurses,
consistently rank among the nation’s most trusted professionals and offer valuable frontline
insight. We urge Congress to listen to those on the frontlines of VA healthcare and make the
changes needed to help the VA deliver the highest-quality care tailored to Veterans’ unique
needs.

For more About NOVA - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

Members addressed issues related to rapid changes within VHA, such as vacancies and
infrastructure, all which impact Veteran care. NOVA continues to inform Hill staff about how
these developments affect access to high-quality VA services.
Nurses spoke to VA’s patient-centered care which focuses on Veterans, how it delivers high-
quality healthcare and comprehensive services that often exceed what is available in the private
sector. Facilities are regularly assessed for quality and are frequently regarded as safer, with
lower mortality rates, better care transitions, and fewer readmissions than many community
providers.

The contributions of healthcare professionals remain especially significant amid ongoing
changes. Nurses, consistently ranked among the most respected professions nationwide, bring
insights that are both recognized and valued. We urge Congress to listen to voices that are on the
frontlines of VA healthcare services.

For more About NOVA - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

Washington D.C., March 17, 2026, this week, members of the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) will be in Washington, D.C. visiting their House members, Senators, and staff to discuss critical issues facing VA.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) faces numerous challenges, and with an upcoming reorganization, NOVA nurses are committed to addressing the critical needs of facilities across the nation.

Ensuring optimal staffing levels remains a primary focus. It is imperative that Community Care funding does not compromise the high standard of care provided by the VA, and that CCN providers meet comparable quality and training standards.

NOVA maintains that insufficient VA funding or ongoing staff reductions diminish access to Veteran-centric care, increase wait times, and potentially compromise critical areas such as suicide prevention, patient care, and safety.

We will urge Congress to uphold current laws and encourage VA leadership to maintain transparency with all stakeholders regarding any workforce-related changes. A robust workforce is essential to guarantee that Veterans continue to receive the highest level of care and services they have rightfully earned.

NOVA is a nationwide, nonprofit professional organization whose members are nurses working for the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and Clinics. NOVA is not part of the VHA, nor is NOVA sanctioned or endorsed by the VHA.

For a list of our Legislative Priority Goals -2026 NOVA Legislative Priority Goals 2026 

January 25, 2026, Washington, D.C. As the professional nursing organization representing Department of Veterans Affairs nurses, NOVA is saddened by the recent shooting of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.

Violence has no part in our society and is unacceptable in any context.

Nurses are highly skilled professionals committed to delivering compassionate care, and upholding ethical standards that require safeguarding the lives and dignity of every individual.

NOVA continues to support and stand by all nurses, especially our colleagues at the Minneapolis VA.

We call for an end to violence within our communities and encourage the Administration, law enforcement, and Congress to demonstrate leadership through their actions.

For more about NOVA - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

Washington D.C., January 5, 2026 — The Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA)
continued to strongly advocate for nurses during a challenging year for VA employees.
Even as policies changed due to DOGE, union statuses shifted, and many facilities dealt with
layoffs or early retirements, healthcare providers at the VA maintained high standards in
delivering quality care and services to Veterans.
NOVA actively opposed legislation that could negatively impact VA policies and veteran care.
We consistently stressed the need for sufficient staffing and raised concerns about ongoing
layoffs and mass firings, warning these actions could threaten the continuity and accessibility of
care.
In collaboration with the Nursing Community Coalition, NOVA responded to a U.S. Department
of Education proposal that would remove nursing from the list of “professional degrees.”
NOVA highlighted nurses' vital role in caring for Veterans and the broader community, and
supported legislation and calls for regulatory change that would officially recognize all nursing
programs, especially given the critical work done by master's and doctoral nursing students.
Nurses make up the largest and most trusted group within the healthcare profession, and the VA
employs more than 100,000 nurses in the VHA.
As the only professional nursing organization dedicated to advocating and supporting the VA
nurse, we will continue to engage with Congress and the Administration on behalf of all nurses
in 2026.

For more about NOVA - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs
To join us - Opt-In To Automatic Payment - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

Hello NOVA Members! 

We’re excited to share that NOVA’s Annual Hill Day is officially set for March 18–19, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Please mark your calendars and start making plans to join us in the nation’s capital!

Hill Day is an empowering opportunity for VA nurses from across the country to come together and advocate directly with Congress about what you need to continue delivering the highest-quality care to our Nation’s Veterans. Your voice, your stories, and your expertise make a real impact—and we want you there with us.

Registration will be open in January. We hope you’ll join us in Washington D.C. in 2026!

Congressional recess has started. Members of Congress are back in their respective districts
for the August work period. Over the next few weeks, lawmakers will engage with constituents,
and they need to hear from you!

NOVA encourages members to contact their elected officials and advocate for VA and quality
healthcare for Veterans.

It’s time to take action - set appointments or send messages urging support for VA and
opposition to any legislation that could harm VA healthcare and services.

Your outreach and advocacy are especially timely, as Congress will be considering key
legislative and appropriations priorities upon their return from recess in September.

NOVA is especially concerned about House and Senate VA Committee passed H.R. 740/S. 275,
the “Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of
2025. It includes provisions that if enacted, could seriously undermine future veterans' access to
VHA health care and services.

For more on the bill - Heard on the Hill: August 2025 - Nurses Organization of Veterans
Affairs

To contact your US House Member: Homepage | house.gov
For the US Senate: U.S. Senate

VA Announces End of Reduction in Force  

Washington, D.C., July 8, 2025, Yesterday, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it will reduce its staff by 30,000 by the end of the fiscal year. With 17,000 employees already severed, the department expects an additional 12,000 employees to exit through resignations, retirements, and normal attrition, eliminating the need for a reduction in force.

“As a result of our efforts, VA is headed in the right direction – both in terms of staff levels and customer service. A department-wide RIF is off the table,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins.

NOVA nurses remain committed to advocating for proper staffing and providing the highest quality of care in VA facilities. We will continue raising concerns about hiring freezes and cuts that affect Veterans' access to care. 

NOVA is the only professional nursing organization dedicated to advocated and supporting the VA nurse.

Join us in supporting VA nurses—your voice matters. To become a NOVA member, click here. Join - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

Washington, D.C., June 24, 2025, VA nurses and members of the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) provide the highest level of care to all Veterans at facilities across the VA network. 

We are aware that several online articles reported that recent changes to VA’s medical staff bylaws might enable providers to discriminate against Veterans. 

VA leadership has denounced the information and on Friday, June 21, a statement from the Office of the Secretary noted “Under no circumstances whatsoever would VA ever deny appropriate care to any eligible Veteran, survivor, or beneficiary or appropriate employment to any qualified, potential employees. Under no circumstances whatsoever would VA ever allow any employee to refuse to provide appropriate care to any eligible Veteran, survivor, or beneficiary or appropriate employment to any qualified, potential employees.

As NOVA members, we remain committed to providing care to all Veterans regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. As healthcare providers, we will always uphold the highest principles and emphasize the importance of maintaining high ethical and professional standards.

For more information about NOVA and our Advocacy program - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

Washington D.C., May 13, 2025, The White House released its FY26 “Skinny Budget”.
The budget proposal provides $129.2 billion in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA), which is a 4.1% increase over FY25. The proposal includes $3.3 billion for VA healthcare
and around $50 billion for the Toxic Exposure Fund (TEF).

VA Secretary Doug Collins testified last week before the Senate VA Committee and is scheduled
to appear before the House VA and Appropriations Committees’ this week to discuss the FY26
and FY27 budget.

To watch the HVAC hearing (5/15, 2pm ET) –Full Committee Oversight Hearing | House Committee on
Veterans Affairs. For the Appropriations hearing (5/15, 10amET) -Budget Hearing – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs |House Committee on Appropriations - Republicans

Last week’s hearing discussion centered around ongoing reductions in staff and continued
resignations and early retirement of many employees.

NOVA and other advocates have raised concerns about how the VA can maintain access to high
quality of care amid staff reductions, especially given the current provider shortages in the
community. Veterans have expressed concerns about losing access to benefits and services.

We urge members and all VA nurses to continue advocating for the critical needs of VHA
facilities across the country. Ensuring Veterans have access to high-quality care remains our top
priority.

We urge all VA nurses to continue to advocate for the needs of VHA facilities nationwide. Our
priority is ensuring Veterans receive timely access to high-quality care in an environment tailored
to their specific and unique needs.

NOVA is a nationwide, nonprofit professional organization whose members are nurses working for the
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and Clinics. NOVA is not part of the VHA, nor is NOVA
sanctioned or endorsed by the VHA.

For a list of our Legislative Priority Goals - 2025_nova_legislative_priori.pdf

We are reaching out with an important update about your membership in the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA).

As you may know, payroll deduction for NOVA membership dues has been discontinued due to recent Executive Orders affecting organizations across the VA. While NOVA is a 501(c)(6) professional association—not a labor union—this change impacts how your dues are collected.

Good News — We’ve Made the Transition Easy!

To ensure there is no interruption in your benefits, NOVA has developed a quick and easy process for updating your membership. We are transitioning to a secure online payment system.

✅What You Need to Do:

Keep an eye on your inbox! You will soon receive an email with a personalized link to securely update your payment information.

🎁 Special Offer: Get One Month FREE!

Enroll in auto-renewal and receive one FREE month of NOVA membership.

Automatic Payments must be submitted by June 15th, 2025

🔹Your Voice on Capitol Hill

We advocate for staffing improvements, fair compensation, HR policies, and enhanced care for our nation’s Veterans.

🔹 Education That Elevates

Gain access to exclusive webinars focused on promotions, career development, and federal retirement, tailored specifically for VA nurses.

🔹 Mentorship That Matters

Our Empower Mentorship Program supports your growth in proficiency, education, research, and leadership.

🔹 Connection and Community

Join fellow VA nurses nationwide at our Annual Conference—build lasting friendships and a strong professional network.

NOVA exists because of dedicated members like you. Together, we are a powerful force for positive change. Your support enables us to continue advocating for the recognition, respect, and resources VA nurses deserve.

Need help making the transition? We are here for you. Contact us anytime at nova@vanurse.org.

With gratitude,

Gina Pileggi, Executive Director

Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA)

Washington D.C., April 1, 2025, NOVA hosted a successful Hill Day – meeting with staffers
to discuss its legislative priority goals and challenges facing VHA.
Relaying their stories, VA nurses emphasized the importance of involving all stakeholders in
discussions regarding staffing or any reductions-in-force (RIF). Healthcare shortages persist
in essential positions, affecting the availability of Veteran-centric care provided by the VA
which increases wait times and puts access to care at risk.
We urge members and all VA nurses to continue advocating for the critical needs of VHA
facilities across the country. Ensuring Veterans have access to high-quality care remains our
top priority.
We strongly believe that any potential reductions in workforce will endanger Veterans' care.

NOVA is a nationwide, nonprofit professional organization whose members are nurses working for the
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and Clinics. NOVA is not part of the VHA, nor is NOVA
sanctioned or endorsed by the VHA.

View the 2025 Legislative Priority Goals 

View NOVA’s RIF Talking Points 

Washington D.C., March 19, 2025, this week, members of the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) will be in Washington, D.C. visiting Hill staffers to discuss critical issues facing VA.

With many challenges facing the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), NOVA nurses will address essential needs for VHA facilities nationwide. Staffing levels are a top priority, especially with potential reductions in workforce that could endanger Veterans' care.

NOVA believes that any staffing cuts would decrease the availability of VA-offered Veteran-centric care and increase wait times and access to care. It would also impact suicide prevention, patient care and safety.

We will ask Congress to uphold existing laws and encourage VA leaders to coordinate with them, and stakeholders on any workforce-related changes. A robust workforce ensures Veterans receive the high-quality healthcare and services they have earned and deserved.

NOVA is a nationwide, nonprofit professional organization whose members are nurses working for the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and Clinics. NOVA is not part of the VHA, nor is NOVA sanctioned or endorsed by the VHA.

For a list of our Legislative Priority Goals - 2025_nova_legislative_priori.pdf

NOVA Warns Reduction in Force will Harm Veterans

The Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) reviewed the recent memorandum from the Department of Veterans Affairs, which plans to cut staffing to FY 2019 levels, reducing over 80,000 positions. NOVA warns that these cuts will devastate and irreparably harm Veterans' care and services.

It will drastically decrease the availability of VA-offered Veteran-centric care. It will increase wait times and distances needed to access care. It will burnout existing staff covering workload for terminated colleagues and lead to loss of Veteran trust in the VA.

As nurses providing care, “we find this situation deeply concerning as it threatens to disrupt the VHA and endanger the VA’s direct care system. Insufficient staffing can lead to poor patient conditions and outcomes, and our nation’s Veterans deserve better,” said Cathy Giasson, DNP, MHA, RN, NE-BC, CPHQ, NOVA President.

We call on Congress to put a stop to this plan and to uphold the laws they enacted ensuring Veterans receive their earned and promised care and services.

NOVA is a nationwide, nonprofit professional organization whose members are nurses working for the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and Clinics. NOVA is not part of the VHA, nor is NOVA sanctioned or endorsed by the VHA.

To become a NOVA member - Join - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

We understand that many of you are feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of memos, Executive
Orders, and emails being issued daily.

Our Representative in Washington, D.C. continues to have conversations with Hill staff about the
challenges facing the Federal workforce, specifically the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

NOVA encourages all of you to reach out to your elected officials to express your concerns and
explain the potential impact on the care provided to Veterans.

We urge you to join us for our March 20, 2025 Hill Day in Washington D.C. – now may be the most
consequential time for VA, Veterans and those who take care of them to speak up!

Hill Day is a chance to educate Congress on the importance of the VA's mission to provide
timely access to care and services for all Veterans. Without staff, who will provide that care?
It is crucial for Congress to understand how these changes affect the workforce and how this will
have future implications for the VA.

As a member of NOVA, attending Hill Day allows you to discuss your dedication to VA’s
mission and our legislative priorities. When you attend Hill Day, you will be
representing yourself as a NOVA member, private citizen, and a nurse. You are encouraged to
speak to your Members of Congress about our priorities and your facility’s needs. 

In this confusing and chaotic environment, we need everyone to continue to advocate on behalf
of VA nursing.

Follow these 5 easy steps to sign up for important updates, offers, and reminders sent straight to your phone!

1. Sign in to your member account at www.vanurse.org.

2. Click "My Profile" in the top right corner.

  3. Select "Manage Profile."

  4. Click "Edit Bio."

  5. Scroll down to the "Mobile" section, enter the cell number where you’d like to receive text messages, and check the box to opt in. (You must check the box to start receiving messages.)

You're all set! Stay informed with NOVA text messages.

We proudly announce that Dr. Catherine Giasson, DNP, RN, NE-BC, CPHQ, has been awarded the esteemed DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award! The Daisy Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented to 758 individuals, 19 of whom have been in the VA Healthcare System. 

Dr. Giasson is the first nurse within the VA in Massachusetts to receive this prestigious honor, which recognizes nurses who have dedicated their careers to compassionate care, mentorship, advocacy and the advancement of the nursing profession.

NOVA Testifies Before House VA Committee on Community Care  

Washington D.C.,January 23, 2025 – Yesterday, the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA), testified before the House Veterans Affairs Committee on Community Care and focusing on the Veteran experience.

NOVA discussed the need for community care partners, but emphasized that policymakers should support VHA, by bolstering recruitment, retention, and staffing levels.

Kelley Saindon, DNP,RN, NE-BC, CHPN, NOVA Board Member and Chair of the Legislative Committee urged members to establish training and quality standards and strengthen oversight of the VCCP.

NOVA continues to advocate that the cost of community care must be monitored so that it does not risk diminishing the superior care that VHA provides Veterans.

As nurses caring for Veteran’s we believe that VA has proven it is uniquely qualified to provide care to Veterans in a setting designed to meet the needs of those who have served in the military.

To read our Testimony or view the recorded hearing - Full Committee Oversight Hearing | House Committee on Veterans Affairs

NOVA’s priority goals for the new Congress focus on funding that supports full VA staffing and upgraded infrastructure. They also include establishing training and quality standards for the community care providers and programs that match those required within VA. Further, the costs for community care must be monitored so that they do not drain resources needed for VA furnishing needed services.
We urge Congress and the Administration to require salary surveys annually for the nursing workforce (APRN, RN, LPN, LVN) so that VHA remains competitive and can continue to serve Veterans within a system designed to meet their specific healthcare needs.

NOVA President, Cathy Giasson, DNP, MHA, RN, NE-BC, CPHQ, noted “It is essential that VA be provided on-time funding and resources to hire and retain quality healthcare professionals – we must be able to compete with the private sector – this includes evaluating both clinical and administrative shortages and critical infrastructure to support the development of our future nursing workforce.”

The VA workforce is facing shortages but continues to meet challenges every day. “We encourage Congress and the Administration to support these priorities so that VA can deliver timely access to the highest level of care our Veterans deserve,” she said.

NOVA continues to advocate for its healthcare professionals and believes that VA has proven it is uniquely qualified to provide care to Veterans in a setting designed to understand those who have served and sacrificed in today’s modern military.

View the 2025 NOVA Legislative Priority Goals.

House Bills Expand Community Care and Harm VHA

Washington D.C., December 16, 2024 – NOVA alongside our partners in VA healthcare: American Psychological Association, Association of VA Psychologist Leaders, Association of VA Social Workers, National Association of Veterans Affairs Physicians and Dentists, National Association of Veterans' Research, and Education Foundations and Veterans Affairs PA Association Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute, entered a statement for the record (SFR) 

on several bills designed to expand community care at the expense of internal VHA services.

The bills under discussion in the House contain provisions that would greatly accelerate the use of community care at VHA’s expense. If passed, they would lead to staff reductions, curtailment of programs, and closures of inpatient units, emergency rooms, and entire facilities. They would also prevent needed infrastructure upgrades and curtail critical research.

Despite growing demand for services with passage of the PACT Act and other legislation, some committee members continue to promote legislation that would divert resources and take away the option to “choose” VA from current and future Veterans.

NOVA President, Catherine Giasson DNP, MHA, RN, NE-BC, CPHQ noted “Further increasing use of community care would only drain funding out of VA which erodes the VHA healthcare system. A healthcare system that equals or exceeds the quality of care provided by the private sector and what Veterans time after time have said they prefer.” 

NOVA will continue to advocate for more funding to enable VA to continue to hire healthcare providers, improve its infrastructure, and focus on research so that Veterans receive the highest level of integrated care. NOVA believes that VA has proven it is uniquely qualified to provide care to Veterans in a setting designed to understand those who have served and sacrificed in today’s modern military.

Hearing Link

View the Multiorganizational Statement for the Record from the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Subcommittee on Health Legislative Hearing

Meeting with Members of Congress and staff, they urged continued support for VA’s workforce by ensuring proper funding is allocated to the Department. “Ensuring a sufficient budget will enable VA to continue to provide timely access and high-quality care to Veterans,” said  President Cathy Giasson, DNP, MHA, RN, NE-BC.

Focusing on NOVA’s 2024 Legislative Priority Goals, NOVA nurses discussed workforce shortages, on-boarding delays, and the need to review salaries so that VA can remain competitive with the private sector and continue to provide the highest level of care for Veterans. 

NOVA thanks all those who met and listened to our concerns and looks forward to meaningful and effective legislation addressing our priority goals.

For more about NOVA’s advocacy and our 2024 Legislative Priority Goals.

2024_nova_legislative_prior.docx (live.com)