Bennet Joins King, Cramer, Colleagues on Bipartisan Bill Expanding Veterans’ Access to Benefits

Mar 18, 2026| Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), both members of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee (SVAC), and 24 of their Senate colleagues, as a co-sponsor of the TAP Promotion Act. This bipartisan bill would provide support to veterans in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) applying for the entitlements they earned in service. Specifically, the TAP Promotion Act would allow accredited representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), or other accredited organizations, to participate in TAP classes to help transitioning service members file Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims.

The Department of Defense offers TAP at over 300 installations around the world, helping prepare service members for civilian life. Since TAP classroom instructors are not legally allowed to help veterans fill out benefits paperwork, having an accredited representative physically present in TAP classrooms would ease and simplify the process as service members transition to veteran status. Service members can file BDD claims and complete medical evaluations before leaving service. The TAP Promotion Act would accelerate claims decisions and close gaps transitioning service members face in accessing essential care like mental health counseling and medication management once they officially leave service.

"Our veterans - including the over 400,000 who call Colorado home - have sacrificed so much to keep us safe," said Bennet. "We must ensure they receive the care and resources they need. The TAP Promotion Act is a critical step, and I will continue to support programs that address the challenges service members face during their transition to civilian life."

"Every year approximately 200,000 servicemembers transition out of military service into civilian life, whether the servicemember is finishing their first deployment, or retiring," said King. "The TAP Promotion Act would allow these servicemembers to connect with an informed, VA accredited representative who can mentor them in the process of applying for and receiving the benefits they earned. Thanks to my colleagues for understanding the importance of serving our veterans-just as they have served us throughout their careers."

"The Transition Assistance Program, otherwise known as TAP, is one of the most important tools we have to help service members prepare for life after the military," said Cramer. "But, of course, information alone isn't enough. It takes people. State and county Veterans Service Officers are often the first ones to help veterans access benefits that veterans themselves have earned. I think it's important to always remember that-they've earned these benefits. What our bill does is it makes sure they are part of the process from the start and not brought in after a veteran is already out the door."

"No service member should walk out the gate on their final day in uniform without a clear path to the care and benefits they earned. The TAP Promotion Act ensures that VA-accredited representatives can participate in TAP briefings and assist with Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims, helping prevent unnecessary delays in compensation, mental health care, and other critical services. This is a practical, bipartisan fix that improves oversight, strengthens transition outcomes, and honors our nation's commitment to those who served. The VFW is proud to support Senators King and Cramer in advancing this important legislation," said VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director Joy Craig.

In addition to Bennet, King, and Cramer, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), David McCormick (R-Pa.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) cosponsored the bill.

The text of the bill is available HERE and below.

###