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 (VSOs) in opposing a Trump Administration policy change that would have affected disability ratings for veterans using medication to manage their health conditions. The proposed policy was criticized for potentially lowering compensation for disabled veterans by not accounting for the true severity of their disabilities.
“Our VSOs are the lifeblood of our veterans’ health care and other benefits and compensation to the men and women who are our national heroes. You are the ones who stand in watch over the VA and over us. The latest example was your reaction to the cuts that were threatened, cruel, stupid cuts in VA benefits, and you and your voices turned it around. Thank you to the Veterans Service Organizations for correcting what would have been a disastrous slash in benefits for countless veterans who rely on medications to manage their service-connected conditions,” said Blumenthal.
Blumenthal noted that following public backlash from veterans groups, VA Secretary Collins had temporarily halted implementation of this policy. He added that he, along with House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) and other colleagues, sent a letter urging Secretary Collins to permanently rescind it. According to Blumenthal, more than 18,000 public comments were submitted against this rule change, which was announced without prior notice or consultation with Congress or veterans groups. In their letter, lawmakers warned that such changes could force veterans into an “impossible choice” between following prescribed treatments or risking loss of benefits.
Blumenthal also referenced an opinion piece by DAV National Adjutant Barry Jeinoski titled “Veterans aren’t campaign props — Congress must start acting like it,” highlighting concerns about congressional productivity regarding veteran issues. He called on his colleagues to pass the Major Richard Star Act—a bill aimed at ensuring fair compensation for combat-disabled veterans—which he said was blocked last year from being attached to major defense legislation.
During questioning at the hearing, Blumenthal raised concerns about transparency from both the Trump Administration and current VA leadership: “We have encountered tremendous difficulty on both sides of the aisle…the flow of information from the VA has been highly obscure. And even after the last hearing that we had when Secretary Collins promised to fully answer all our questions, to this moment we have received half or less than what he promised to provide. I hope you'll join in this effort to demand full and complete transparency from the Department of Veterans Affairs so that you can be effective advocates for the veterans of America.”
In his opening remarks at the hearing attended by members including Chair Mace and Chairman Jerry Moran—who served as chairman while Blumenthal is ranking member—Blumenthal reiterated his appreciation for those advocating on behalf of U.S. veterans: “Thank you Chair Mace, and thank you, Senator Moran, our Chairman in the Senate. I'm honored to be with all of you today...Never doubt that you are making a difference...You are the ones who stand in watch over the VA and over us...There is still work to be done on that issue among others.” He also encouraged continued advocacy for pending legislation like The Guard Act.
The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee oversees programs supporting U.S. veterans nationwide through collaboration with organizations such as the Department of Veterans Affairs. The committee’s responsibilities include improving access to healthcare services provided by VA facilities across states—including transitions back into civilian life—and maintaining offices within the U.S. Capitol complex. As part of its oversight role under leaders like Jerry Moran as chairman alongside Richard Blumenthal as ranking member (source), it continues efforts toward advancing legislative solutions addressing systemic challenges faced by former service members.
