Critical legislation offering a lifeline for all types of VA beneficiaries continues to languish in Congress. This delay leaves veterans and their families questioning the true priorities of our lawmakers.

The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (H.R. 8371) sits stalled in the House, with no corresponding bill in the Senate. The bipartisan bill is more than a collection of policies – it’s a comprehensive package of needed improvements for the veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors who depend on VA health care and benefits.

[TAKE ACTION NOW: Ask Your Lawmakers to Back the Dole Act]

This 300-plus-page legislation includes:

• VA Benefits Reforms: Ensuring veterans receive the benefits they deserve.
• Expanded Long-Term Care Services: Providing essential support for aging veterans.
• Caregiver Program Support Services: Offering much-needed resources for those who care for our veterans.
• Resources for Homeless Veterans: Addressing the critical issue of veteran homelessness.
• Assistance for Surviving Family Members: Supporting those who have lost a loved one in service.

MOAA and fellow veterans service organizations have worked diligently over the past two years with the 118th Congress to secure this omnibus legislation. Without it, veterans and their families may face uncertainty and hardship, especially those who rely solely on VA health care and benefits for their livelihood.

[RELATED: Your Future Care at Risk? Why Veterans Need the Dole Act to Move Forward NOW]

The Clock is Ticking

With few congressional working days left this year, the window to pass significant veterans’ legislation is rapidly closing. This Congress has yet to pass any major veterans’ legislation, making the passage of the Dole Act even more critical.

November is also National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and support those who care for our veterans. A recent RAND report, America’s Military and Veteran Caregivers: Hidden Heroes Emerging from the Shadows, offered more reasons to ensure these often-overlooked members of the wider military community receive the attention they deserve:

• Three-quarters of veteran caregivers support a veteran age 60 or older.
• Veterans over 60 often face cost as a barrier to their care.
• Caregivers incur high out-of-pocket costs to provide the necessary care for their veterans.
• 42% of military/veteran caregivers providing care to those 60 years old or under meet the criteria for depression.

These caregivers are unsung heroes who ensure our veterans receive the care they need, often at great personal and financial sacrifice.

The Time is NOW to Take Action

Passing the Dole Act this year would help Congress live up to its commitment to honor past, present, and future veterans, ensure a strong national defense, and allow veterans to receive the support and care they have earned.

Help MOAA drive Congress to take decisive action. Reach out to your lawmakers today and urge them to pass the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.