As part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness and improve support for survivors of military sexual trauma (MST), legislators in both the House and Senate have reintroduced a critical piece of legislation aimed at enhancing benefits and health care access for affected veterans.

The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act — endorsed by MOAA — offers concrete measures to enhance services within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and simplify the disability claims process through the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). These meaningful reforms would help ensure MST survivors receive the care and support they need.

Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced the bill in the Senate (S. 1245) on April 1, the same day Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) introduced the House version (H.R. 2576).

[TAKE ACTION: Urge Your Representatives to Support Military Sexual Trauma Survivors]

“MOAA is grateful to Senators Blumenthal and Murkowski, and to Rep. Pingree, for reintroducing the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act,” MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), said. “This important legislation aims to strengthen the coordination of benefits and health care services, benefiting not only those impacted by military sexual trauma, but all veterans seeking VA support. MOAA remains committed to working with Congress and the VA to ensure passage and effective implementation of this bill.”

MOAA has long advocated for closing the gaps in VA services for MST survivors. In February testimony before a joint hearing of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs committees, MOAA urged lawmakers to reintroduce this bill and take decisive action to improve care and benefits for this vulnerable population.

[WRITTEN TESTIMONY: MOAA’s Legislative Priorities for Veterans Health Care and Benefits in the 119th Congress]

While past legislative efforts have led to incremental improvements, such as the expansion of health care access in the VHA and the establishment of specialized MST claims teams within the VBA, more substantial reforms are needed. Lawmakers continue to press for meaningful policy changes to streamline collaboration between the VHA and the VBA, allowing MST survivors to receive comprehensive support and limit potential re-traumatization.

MOAA calls on its members and all advocates for veterans to take action. Contact your lawmakers today and urge them to support these bills in both chambers; now is the time to move this crucial legislation forward and secure long-overdue improvements in care and benefits for MST survivors.