WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) - chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs - introduced legislation that directs the President to develop a national strategy every four years on how to best coordinate efforts among various stakeholders to support veteran well-being as a national interest.

The National Veterans Strategy Act of 2026 would establish in law that veteran success is a national interest. It would also direct the federal government to develop standardized metrics to assess veteran outcomes to help identify gaps, strengthen outcomes and align veteran-related policies around shared, universal goals. The legislation would also require the President to regularly consult and coordinate with federal and non-federal entities to identify challenges, develop solutions and align resources and responses.

"The programs and benefits provided to our veterans can make a significant difference in a veteran's success after service," said Sen. Moran. "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."

"Making good on our promises to veterans requires a whole-of-government approach," said Sen. Blumenthal. "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."

The federal government spends more than $300 billion each year on veterans programs, including grants to states and to nonprofit organizations. This is in addition to billions of dollars from state budgets spent each year and billions of dollars in private and philanthropic funding of veteran-serving programs. VA is required to formulate a strategic plan once every four years, but that plan is mainly focused on VA's internal goals and operations. This legislation would provide for better coordination of these resources in order to effect better outcomes for veterans and their families.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

"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," said Mike Hutchings, Chief Executive Officer, Combined Arms. "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."

"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" said Ross Dickman, Chief Executive Officer, Hire Heroes USA. "The National Veterans Strategy Act recognizes veteran success as a national interest and creates a framework to align resources, reduce duplication, and focus on what actually helps veterans succeed after service. We are proud to support this legislation that centers outcomes, accountability, and collaboration across sectors."

"Paralyzed Veterans of America applauds the bipartisan introduction of the National Veterans Strategy Act," said Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer, Paralyzed Veterans of America. "A national, regularly updated strategy will give veterans the coordinated, measurable support they deserve - aligning public and private efforts so resources reach veterans efficiently and effectively. By defining clear outcomes for veteran wellbeing, this legislation will strengthen transitions to civilian life, protect hard earned benefits, and amplify veterans' contributions to our communities. We urge Congress to ensure all veterans, including those with catastrophic disabilities, have the tools and opportunities to lead independent, productive lives after service."

"Vietnam Veterans of America supports the National Veterans Strategy Act of 2026 because veteran success is a national interest," said James McCormick, Executive Director of Government Affairs, Vietnam Veterans of America. "We need measurable outcomes, and a coordinated plan, so veterans and their families can thrive after service."

"The American Legion is pleased to support the legislation mandating a quadrennial National Veterans Strategy," said Cole Lyle, Director of Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, The American Legion. "This bi-partisan bill will ensure that VA remains veteran-focused as they work to deliver world-class care and benefits to our nation's heroes. With VSO input and Congressional oversight, the National Veterans Strategy will improve outcomes. We applaud Chairman Moran and Ranking Member Blumenthal for their continued leadership on behalf of veterans."

"AMVETS is deeply grateful to see the introduction of the National Veterans Strategy Act," said Paul Shipley, AMVETS National Commander. "We have long advocated for a unified vision that brings together the incredible work being done at the federal, state, and local levels. By establishing a formal national strategy, this legislation honors the significant investments already made by taxpayers and donors alike, ensuring those resources are used as effectively as possible. We look forward to working collaboratively with the administration and our partners across the country to ensure that every veteran has a clear path to success, strengthening the civic health of the nation we all served."

The legislation is also supported by the Syracuse University D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families.

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