U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who serve as chairman and ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, have introduced new legislation that would require the President to create a national strategy every four years aimed at improving coordination among organizations supporting veterans.
The proposed National Veterans Strategy Act of 2026 would establish in law that veteran success is a national interest. It also calls for the development of standardized metrics to assess veteran outcomes, with the goal of identifying gaps, strengthening results, and aligning policies across various agencies and organizations. The act requires regular consultation between federal and non-federal entities to address challenges, find solutions, and align resources.
Senator Moran stated, "The programs and benefits provided to our veterans can make a significant difference in a veteran’s success after service. With so many entities already working to help veterans succeed – national, state, and local government, for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations – veterans and the organizations serving them benefit from a uniform strategy that identifies the best ways to help our nation’s veterans succeed.This legislation would make certain there is a shared understanding of the purpose of veterans programs and clarify the outcomes they are intended to achieve. Through a cohesive strategy, the programs, policies and legislation that affect veterans and their families would better align around those goals in a coordinated, nationwide effort and would strengthen support for the next generation of servicemembers."
Senator Blumenthal said, "Making good on our promises to veterans requires a whole-of-government approach. While more than 1,300 federal, state, and local agencies work on veterans’ issues, there is no clear or comprehensive national strategy. Our first-of-its-kind legislation will require a national veterans strategy with clear metrics to measure if and how we are delivering for veterans and their families. Our aim is to increase transparency and accountability, and provide a clear roadmap for serving veterans."
Currently, over $300 billion in federal funds are spent each year on veteran programs in addition to state spending and private funding from philanthropic sources. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must already create its own strategic plan every four years; however, this plan focuses mainly on VA's internal operations rather than broader collaboration.
Veterans Service Organizations expressed strong support for the proposal:
Mike Hutchings of Combined Arms said: "Combined Arms supports and applauds the National Veterans Strategy Act as vital legislation that will change the lives of millions of veterans and their families, ensure fiscal responsibility across federal and state governments, and deliver the first comprehensive national insight into veteran services. This is exactly why our organization was founded: the time for transformational change in support of veterans is now, and this legislation shows what that change looks like."
Ross Dickman from Hire Heroes USA commented: "At Hire Heroes USA, we see every day how veterans bring extraordinary skills, leadership, and experience to the workforce — yet the systems meant to support them too often operate in silos... The National Veterans Strategy Act recognizes veteran success as a national interest... We are proud to support this legislation that centers outcomes, accountability, and collaboration across sectors."
Heather Ansley from Paralyzed Veterans of America added: "Paralyzed Veterans of America applauds the bipartisan introduction of the National Veterans Strategy Act... By defining clear outcomes for veteran wellbeing, this legislation will strengthen transitions to civilian life... We urge Congress to ensure all veterans... have the tools...to lead independent productive lives after service."
James McCormick with Vietnam Veterans of America said: “Vietnam Veterans of America supports the National Veterans Strategy Act of 2026 because veteran success is a national interest… We need measurable outcomes…so veterans…can thrive after service.”
Cole Lyle from The American Legion remarked: “The American Legion is pleased to support...a quadrennial National Veterans Strategy…This bi-partisan bill will ensure that VA remains veteran-focused…We applaud Chairman Moran & Ranking Member Blumenthal…”
Paul Shipley with AMVETS noted: “AMVETS is deeply grateful…By establishing a formal national strategy…the legislation honors…the significant investments already made by taxpayers…and ensures those resources are used as effectively as possible…”
The Syracuse University D’Aniello Institute for Veterans & Military Families has also endorsed this initiative.
The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee oversees benefits such as health care programs designed specifically for U.S. military personnel who have served. Since its establishment in 1970 official website, it has played an important role by advancing policy initiatives like expanded education benefits through measures such as the GI Bill official website. The committee works closely with groups including VSOs (Veterans Service Organizations) official website.
Senators Moran (chairman) & Blumenthal (ranking member) continue leading these efforts official website.
