U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, led a committee hearing with representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and veteran adaptive athletes to review VA adaptive sports programs. The discussion also included four pieces of related legislation in advance of the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games scheduled to take place in Italy.
The VA’s adaptive sports initiatives, such as the Adaptive Sports Grant Program and Veterans Monthly Assistance Allowance, offer veterans living with disabilities opportunities for health improvement, fitness, purpose, and community engagement after their military service.
“These unique events are designed to foster independence, strengthen community involvement and improve the overall quality of life for veterans living with disabilities,” said Sen. Moran. “Through direct programming, adaptive sports grants and training stipends for elite veteran Paralympic athletes, our country provides veterans recovering from injury as they build new strengths, compete as teammates within a new community and engage in healthy living through tailored athletic and rehabilitation events.”
He added: “America’s servicemembers and veterans are a testament to our nation’s strength, resiliency and determination, and we see that in the veteran athletes competing in VA adaptive sports events or training to represent our nation in international competition as part of Team USA. As the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games approach in Milan Cortina, I want to wish Team USA—especially the veteran athletes representing our nation—every success as they compete.”
During the hearing, officials also discussed Sen. Moran’s proposed Veterans Prosthetics Advancement and Reform Act. This legislation aims to improve access to prosthetic devices by streamlining procurement processes, enhancing staff training, and establishing a formulary for prostheses related to rehabilitation.
The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee plays an important role in improving access to VA health care services and supporting veterans’ transitions into civilian life. The committee is responsible for overseeing benefits, health care programs, and related initiatives nationwide according to its official website. Established in 1970, it works closely with organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs to enhance services for those who have served.
Senator Jerry Moran currently serves as chairman of this committee while Richard Blumenthal is ranking member as stated by official records.
