Chairman Moran Delivers Opening Remarks During Legislative Presentation of Disabled American Veterans, Seven Other VSOs

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) - chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs - alongside Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), acting chairwoman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs - led a hearing to receive the legislative presentations of the Disabled American Veterans, Military Officers Association of America, Blue Star Families, Vietnam Veterans of America, National Congress of American Indians, Service Women's Action Network, Gold Star Wives of America, and Black Veterans Project. This is the first of three hearings with veteran service organizations (VSOs) over the next two weeks.

"Every day, in every state and district, veterans bring a wealth of skills, leadership, experience and values from the military into their communities," said Sen. Moran. "It is our responsibility to make certain that federal programs and policies - at VA and in every other department and agency - help veterans translate those strengths into long-term stability, health and opportunity."

During the hearing, Sen. Moran also discussed the importance of his legislation, the National Veterans Strategy Act. You can learn more about the legislation here.

Click HERE to Watch Sen. Moran's Full Remarks

Remarks as Prepared:

"Thank you, Acting Chairwoman Mace.

"It is good to be here with you, Ranking Members Blumenthal and Takano and the rest of our colleagues for the first joint-hearing this year.

"I want to welcome our witnesses from Disabled American Veterans and other veteran service organizations and extend a special hello to the veterans from Kansas who are here in person or tuning in from home.

"I am grateful for the work that VSOs like the ones we will hear from this morning do every day across the country and here in our nation's Capitol to support their fellow veterans and their families, and advocate for a stronger, better Department of Veterans Affairs.

"Our committees are working every day with those same goals in mind.

"We may talk often about the challenges veterans face after service, but I am always reminded at these hearings that veterans are not defined by those challenges.

"Far from it.

"Every day, in every state and district, veterans bring a wealth of skills, leadership, experience and values from the military into their communities.

"It is our responsibility to make certain that federal programs and policies - at VA and in every other department and agency - help veterans translate those strengths into long-term stability, health, and opportunity.

"This responsibility is why I, along with Ranking Member Blumenthal, introduced the National Veterans Strategy Act to coordinate the efforts of federal, state, and local governments, along with for-profit and nonprofit organizations, in the best interest of our nation's veterans.

"I am grateful for the widespread support for that bill among the VSO community and I am eager to discuss it with our witnesses.

"I am grateful to the VSO leaders testifying today for the tireless work you do to make certain that Congress and VA remain focused on doing what is best for our veteran and military communities.

"I look forward to hearing how your legislative priorities advance veteran success and where Congress can do more to make certain VA's policies translate into real improvements in veteran well-being.

"Thank you again for being here, and I look forward to today's hearing."

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