Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee
U.S. Government: Elected Officials | U.S. Congressional Committees
Recent News About Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed at a recent hearing that he supports the Major Richard Star Act after questioning from Senator Richard Blumenthal. The bill seeks full benefit parity for combat-injured military retirees but has been blocked twice recently amid cost concerns.
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Senator Richard Blumenthal called on Department of Veterans Affairs officials for greater transparency regarding benefit changes under the PACT Act during an April 29 Senate hearing. He highlighted challenges faced by veterans seeking information about their eligibility and urged new measures including his proposed Presumptive CLARITY Act.
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Senator Jerry Moran led a Senate hearing reviewing new legislative proposals aimed at improving veteran services alongside officials from key organizations. The session addressed healthcare access challenges while highlighting efforts toward greater transparency in workforce planning within VA facilities.
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Senators Jerry Moran and Angus King have introduced new bipartisan legislation requiring long-term workforce planning at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill aims at improving staff alignment with veterans’ needs while mandating greater accountability in hiring practices.
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Senator Richard Blumenthal criticized Senate Republicans over funding priorities involving immigration enforcement versus support for injured veterans during an April floor speech. He highlighted opposition toward advancing expanded veteran benefits while large sums were allocated elsewhere.
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Senator Jerry Moran led a Senate hearing reviewing support programs for justice-involved veterans on Apr. 16. Testimony highlighted progress made through Veteran Treatment Courts in Kansas since 2016 as well as new federal funding initiatives supporting these efforts nationwide.
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Senators Richard Blumenthal and Mark Takano urged VA Secretary Doug Collins on April 8 to implement existing authority allowing higher doctor pay amid staffing shortages. Their letter criticizes delays that contributed to clinic closures across three states. The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee continues oversight efforts aimed at supporting veterans nationwide.
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Senator Richard Blumenthal has introduced legislation aimed at making it easier for long-serving veterans and servicemembers to transfer GI Bill education benefits. The bill seeks changes so transfers can occur both during active duty or after retirement—addressing gaps that currently prevent some from sharing these entitlements with family members.
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Senator Richard Blumenthal responded after his effort failed in the Senate to overturn an abortion ban affecting women receiving Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare. The vote upheld existing restrictions even in cases involving rape or threats to a veteran's health.
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The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs has advanced 24 new bills supporting veterans, caregivers, and survivors. Chairman Jerry Moran emphasized bipartisan cooperation behind measures such as expanded survivor benefits and improved prosthetic care. The legislation now awaits action from the full Senate.
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The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee unanimously advanced several bills led by Richard Blumenthal aimed at expanding research into birth defects among children of toxic-exposed veterans and strengthening support programs for all U.S. veterans. The legislation includes new provisions for emergency response readiness and expanded benefits.
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A federal court ordered immediate reinstatement of collective bargaining rights for most Department of Veterans Affairs workers after their removal last year. Senator Richard Blumenthal praised the decision and highlighted ongoing legislative efforts in Congress. The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee continues oversight on issues affecting veterans nationwide.
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U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has introduced new legislation aimed at improving care for veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders.
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U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, led the final two annual joint hearings of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs.
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At a joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees, Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) underscored the importance of veterans’ advocacy in achieving legislative progress.
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U.S. Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas addressed the Senate on March 3, 2026, emphasizing the need for Congress to advance the Major Richard Star Act.
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Senate Republicans have blocked two attempts by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, to advance the Major Richard Star Act.
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U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and Representative Nancy Mace, acting chairwoman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, led a joint hearing to receive legislative presentations from several...
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At a joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), ranking member of the Senate committee, recognized the efforts of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and other Veterans Service Organizations...
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Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal has responded to the Trump Administration’s decision to pause a new interim final rule at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that would have changed how disability ratings...