Bipartisan, MOAA-supported legislation offering comprehensive improvements to veteran and caregiver benefits across the VA – from long-term care to mental health services to employment programs and much more – passed the House on Nov. 18 by a 389-9 vote and heads to the Senate with only a handful of days remaining on the legislative calendar.

The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (H.R. 8371) offers a lifeline for all types of VA beneficiaries and has the support of more than 50 organizations. Its movement through the House is thanks to the dedicated efforts of House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) leaders along with the work of MOAA and partner organizations. Learn more about the array of programs in the omnibus legislation at this link.

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

“MOAA is honored to have joined forces with fellow veteran groups and leaders in both the House and Senate to champion the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act,” MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), said. “As we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month, we must recognize the profound positive impact this bill will have on the health and well-being of our veterans, their caregivers, and survivors.”

Kelly thanked HVAC Chairman Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), the committee’s ranking member, for their work leading the bill through the House.

“The need to pass this critical bipartisan legislation has never been greater,” Kelly added, “and now is the time to act.”

[RELATED: Military Pay, TRICARE Upgrades on Tap When Congress Returns to Work]

The Dole Act offers needed improvements for veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors who depend on VA health care and benefits — improvements ranging from claims processing reforms, expansion of veteran caregiving and caregiver support services, and resources for homeless veterans and surviving family members. 

MOAA and fellow veterans groups have worked relentlessly in 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.

Senate Action Needed NOW

Despite bipartisan progress in the House – both Republicans and Democrats on the HVAC published press releases lauding the bill’s passage – the Dole Act’s path to the president’s desk is far from guaranteed. It must pass the Senate, which has just 15 in-session days on its schedule after Nov. 22 and a number of competing priorities, to include budget and authorization work.

[RELATED: VA Takes Steps to Fast-Track Benefits for K2 Veterans]

With the legislative session nearing its end, the Senate must act swiftly to pass the Dole Act. The window to pass significant veterans’ legislation is rapidly closing, and immediate action by the Senate is essential.

Passing this legislation during National Family Caregivers Month and enacting it ahead of the holidays sends a strong message of our nation’s commitment to the veteran community and provides a gift of hope for a brighter future.

Join MOAA and reach out to your lawmakers today. Urge them to take immediate action and pass the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.