Throughout our history, the VFW’s collective voice has had a strong influence on decisions made in Washington, D.C. Speaking together today, more than 2.2 million VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members capture the attention of political and administration leaders far beyond what a single veteran’s voice can accomplish.

The VFW’s National Legislative Service (NLS) ensures that your rights and interests as combat veterans are heard during congressional hearings and meetings with lawmakers. NLS activities create support for bills that benefit you and help to defeat legislation that weakens veterans programs. Simply put, the VFW is the nation’s most effective combat veterans advocacy group. Your membership and call to action responses are critical to our success.

VFW Successes in Congress
Here are a few of the VFW’s many legislative and government administrative victories:

·  Both the original and modern GI Bills

·  Vocational Rehab for returning wounded warriors

·  Creation of the VA healthcare system

·  Specialized programs to help wounded warriors with TBI and PTSD

·  New VA programs specifically to serve women veterans

·  Measures to improve the backlog, efficiency and accuracy of VA claims handling

·  Steps to ensure the confidentiality of VA patient information

Read about more of our legislative victories.

National Legislative Priorities
We are not resting on our past victories. The VFW’s NLS promotes new legislative and VA initiatives that will make a difference in your life. Read about our legislative priorities (http://www.vfw.org/VFW-in-DC/).

Washington Weekly E-newsletter
The NLS emails electronic updates to highlight major veterans issues on the move in D.C. and show how the VFW represents your interests. This e-newsletter also gives you links to contact your legislator when timely action is needed. Subscribe now.( http://capwiz.com/vfw/mlm/signup.htm)

State Legislative Priorities
Many state issues impact veterans, their families and VFW Posts. That’s why Department officers and staff frequently visit with state lawmakers and participate in legislative hearings. State officers serve on the PA War Veterans Council and the State Veterans Commission to stay abreast of developments that could benefit or harm VFW members and Posts. Working with other veterans groups, our state legislative accomplishments include:

·  Creating a grant program to expand the use of State Veterans Service Officers

·  Securing funds to transport disabled veterans to doctor appointments

·  Creating a Gulf War Bonus program

·  Continued funding for the blinded and paralyzed veterans pensions, and the state Veterans Emergency Assistance program

·  Preserving a real estate tax exemption for disabled veterans

·  Conducting a state survey that showed a need for more State Veterans Homes.

 The Department’s top state legislative goals include:
·  Urging legislators to fully fund the Act 66 Service Officer Outreach Grant program

·  Passage of a modern small games of chance bill that increases prize limits, allows the use of some game earnings to pay operational expenses and limits small games of chance licenses to non-profit service organizations only (a new bill was passed in February of 2012).

·  Opening of new State Veterans Homes in areas where needed based on a recent study.

.  Ensuring the Veterans Preference is applied in hirings through the State Civil Service Commission.

.  Including the word “Veteran” on PA drivers licenses.

.  Adding a requirement that a minimum percentage of state contracts are awarded to veteran-owned businesses.