Senator Grassley unequivocally supports members of our Armed Forces who put their lives on the line in service to our country. Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to veterans, and it is the responsibility of the federal government to honor veterans by providing the care and benefits that they have earned. Senator Grassley has conducted oversight on the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that they are serving veterans well. He has worked to ensure that the VA was held accountable for the wait list scandal and that veterans have access to private health care providers when the VA can’t meet their needs in a timely manner.
Senator Grassley has also worked to ensure that the sacrifices of veterans will not be forgotten by future generations. He has worked to gather interviews with Iowa veterans for the Library of Congress’s Veterans History Project, making permanent the personal accounts of American war veterans. This will allow future generations to hear directly from veterans so that they may understand the realities of war and the importance of protecting the values of freedom and democracy.
In 2019, Congress passed the Grassley-backed Honoring American Veterans in Extreme Need Act, which helps disabled veterans in financial distress file for bankruptcy.
In 2018, Congress passed the VA MISSION Act, which contained a provision to expand telehealth to more veterans.
In 2016, Senator Grassley raised concerns about the VA submitting veterans who need help managing their finances to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which removes the right of a veteran to own a firearm, without due process. He sent letters to the VA, appropriators, and introduced legislation to prevent the VA from submitting veterans to NICS without due process.
In 2015, Congress passed a bill cosponsored by Senator Grassley, the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act improved mental health services for veterans at risk of suicide.
In 2010, Congress passed the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act which contained Grassley-cosponsored provisions to expand training, health care and respite care to family members caring for disabled veterans, and expand health care access for rural veterans.
In 2007, Congress passed the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act, co-lead by Senator Grassley. This legislation directed the VA to implement a comprehensive suicide prevention program.
Grassley stands ready to lend a hand to our heroes. Click here to get help for veterans.
