LEGISLATIVE DIVISION
UPDATE
Week Ending August 6, 2021
Congress
With the House already out on recess, all eyes were on the Senate this week as they worked through
the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. Majority Leader Schumer (D-NY) has declared Senators will
have to delay their recess until this bill is completed. Minority Leader McConnell (R-KY) is
holding out to consider as many amendments as possible. Schumer also intends to force action on
a budget resolution, with reconciliation instructions, before the Senate leaves for its August recess.
With so much work on the plate, the Majority Leader kept the Senate in for a rare all-weekend
session last week, and could very well do it again this week.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) on Thursday released its score of the bill, despite the fact
lawmakers had been debating and amending it all week. The CBO determined the bill would add
$256 billion to project deficits over the course of ten years, despite a $50 billion increase in
revenues during that period.
In the meantime, the country has reached its debt limit and technically cannot borrow any more
money (the federal government operates on deficit spending). Speaking on the floor Thursday
afternoon, McConnell said Democrats should include provisions for raising the debt ceiling in the
budget resolution and make it happen by themselves, without Republican support, through
reconciliation.
However, Democrats are favoring an approach whereby the debt limit increase would be included
in a continuing resolution in September, which will be needed to keep the government open beyond
the October 1 start of the fiscal year. Doing this would put GOP lawmakers in the position of
letting the federal government shut down rather than increasing the debt limit. This is rapidly
shaping up to be a political game of chicken, with potentially terrible results should no one cave.
Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMF)
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday voted out a Legion- supported resolution
to repeal the 1991 and 2002 AUMFs. Both measures have been deemed by the Department of
Defense (DoD) to be unnecessary for ongoing military operations against terror and extremism.
Congress passed the 1991 AUMF in response to Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait, and led to
the Gulf War, which, of course, has now ended. The 2002 AUMF allowed the military to enter
Iraq to overthrow Hussein. During a hearing on the resolution on Tuesday, the State Department
argued that this AUMF actually hampers efforts to build permanent relationships with the new
government in Iraq.
Resolution cosponsors Sen. Young (R-IN) and Sen. Kaine (D-VA) argued that leaving outdated
AUMFs on the books cedes Congress’ Constitutionally mandated role of approving wars requested
by the Executive Branch. There is broad bipartisan support for the measure in the full Senate.
The House repealed both AUMFs in June on broadly bipartisan votes. The White House has
indicated they, too, support the move.
Grassroots
The National Legislative Division (NLD) uses VoterVoice as its advocacy platform for connecting
American Legion members with members of Congress. There are currently 26,723 members and
supporters signed up to receive action alerts. The American Legion’s VoterVoice page is available
here.
Legislative AARs
• National Legislative Division staff continues working on preparations for the upcoming
102nd National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.
• On Monday, August 2, NLD staff met with Sen. Lee’s (R-UT) veterans policy advisor to
discuss alternative treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain
injuries.
• On Monday, August 2, NLD staff met with DAV, WWP, and Student Veterans of America
to discuss the Department of Education rulemaking that is expected to begin in mid-
August. It is anticipated to begin in four areas that have American Legion resolutions and
will require veterans to serve as negotiators: Borrower Defense, Gainful Employment,
Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and the 9-10 rule.
• On Tuesday, August 3, NLD staff met with the office of Senator Lankford to discuss a bill
that would re-organize the chaplain service within VA and establish a Chief Chaplain
position that reports directly to the VA Secretary. Currently, the Chaplain service reports
to the Veterans Health Administration.
• On Tuesday, August 3, NLD staff attended a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing
on Authorizations of Use of Military Force (AUMFs): Administration Perspectives.
Lawmakers and experts debated the implications of repealing the 1991 and 2002 Iraq
AUMFs.
• On Tuesday, August 3, NLD staff met with the Executive Director of Military and Veterans
Programs of Cybercrime Support Network to discuss predatory practices against veterans
and the partnership with non-profits to fight cybercrime and protect veterans.
• On Tuesday, August 3, NLD staff met with Chairman Takano’s (D-CA and Chairman of
House Veterans Affairs Committee) veterans policy advisor to discuss Rep. Takano’s
Veteran Deportation Prevention & Reform Act.
• On Tuesday, August 3, NLD staff met with the four corners of the House and Senate
Veterans Affairs Committee to discuss upcoming economic opportunity hearing schedules.
The Senate has delayed their August 4th hearing on veterans employment indefinitely, with
an anticipated reschedule of late September. The House Veterans Affairs Committee
shared their plans for an economic legislative hearing in mid-September.
• On Thursday, August 5, NLD staff was interviewed by a radio show host and ESPN
affiliate in the Richmond, VA area on The American Legion’s efforts on behalf of Afghan
translators.
• On Wednesday, August 4, NLD staff attended a Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Business Meeting. The committee voted 14-8 to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Iraq AUMFs.
Legion story is here.
• On Wednesday, August 4, NLD Staff attended SVAC full committee web event marking
100 years since the creation of and first interment in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in
Arlington National Cemetery.
• On Wednesday, August 4, NLD staff met with Rep. Porter’s (D-CA) veterans policy
advisor to discuss the Congresswoman’s report on predatory practices in the VA Home
Loan program.
• On Wednesday, August 4, NLD staff met with Sen. Cassidy’s (R-LA) veterans policy
advisor to discuss legislative priorities.
• On Wednesday, August 4, NLD staff participated in a War Powers Reform briefing hosted
by the National Security Division.
• On Thursday, August 5, NLD staff met with Sen. Blumenthal’s (D-CT) veterans policy
advisor to discuss legislative priorities.
• On Thursday, August 5, NLD staff met with Rep. Tlaib’s (D-MI) to discuss “Buddy Check
Week" for the purpose of outreach and education concerning peer wellness checks for
veterans.
• On Thursday, August 5, NLD staff met with Sen. Hoeven’s (R-ND) veterans policy advisor
to discuss legislative priorities.
• On Thursday, August 5, NLD staff met with Rep. Valadao’s (R-CA) veterans policy
advisor to discuss the deportation of non-citizen veterans.
• On Thursday, August 5, NLD staff met with the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee
Deputy Staff Director to discuss veterans economic priorities. NLD staff shared House
developments for GI Bill National Guard parity, and received a commitment that the Senate
would reciprocate with their language.
• On Friday, August 5, NLD staff met with the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee minority
staff to discuss VA commentary on toxic exposure legislation.
• On Friday, August 5, NLD staff met with Marine for Life (M4L) and the Department of
Defense Voluntary Education office to discuss NDAA education priorities. NLD staff
shared their concern over the termination of the Troops to Teachers program along with
the lack of mandatory funding for branch tuition assistance programs.
• On Friday, August 5, NLD staff met with the National Legal Services Veteran Program to
discuss H.R. 4625, to clarify and improve the program of comprehensive assistance for
family caregivers of the Department of Veterans Affairs
Lawrence Montreuil, Legislative Director
The American Legion the v.e.e committee
TOPIC 3a: TRACKING LEGISLATION
GI Bill Repair Act of 2020: To extend to black veterans of World War II, their surviving spouses,
and direct descendants eligibility for specific housing and educational assistance programs
administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
(Tracked by John Kamin)
Resolution No.: None on file
Status: Currently on hold, has not been introduced
Homeless Veteran Coronavirus Response Act: The bill allows V.A. to use existing funds for a
broader range of services; authorizes the Department to collaborate with outside organizations to
facilitate shelters on its properties; loosens restrictions on Grant and Per Diem (GPD) payments,
and requires V.A. to ensure veterans participating in V.A. homeless programs have access to V.A.
telehealth services.
(Tracked by Ariel De Jesus)
Resolution No. 326: Support Funding for Additional Housing for Homeless Veterans with
Families
HR 6800, the Heroes Act: Allows VA to provide transport and purchase food, shelter, phones,
clothing, blankets, and toiletry items for homeless veterans; Authorizes VA to set up temporary
encampments on the grounds of V.A. Medical Centers to allow homeless veterans to shelter on
V.A. parking lots temporarily; Allows VA to provide reimbursements to social service providers
receiving grants for the costs of services for minor children.
(Tracked by Ariel De Jesus)
Resolution No. 324: Support Funding for Homeless Veterans
HR 1615: The American Legion supports legislation that would streamline and improve the
verification process for veteran-owned small businesses and veteran-owned small businesses.
(Tracked by Joe Sharpe)
Resolution No. 155: Support Verification Improvements for Veterans' Business
Status: Passed at the 2016 National Convention.
HR 2224: To direct the Secretary of Labor to prioritize services to homeless veterans with
dependent children in carrying out homeless veterans' reintegration programs and for other
purposes.
(Tracked by John Kamin)
Resolution No. 326: Support Funding for Additional Housing for Homeless Veterans with
Families
HR 1196, Jobs for Veterans Act of 2019: This bill allows an increased work opportunity tax credit
for employers who hire veterans who have been certified as discharged or released from active duty
in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and who begin working for the employer after
December 31, 2019, and before January 1, 2024. This increased credit is in addition to any work
opportunity tax credit allowed to a veteran with a service-connected disability.
(Tracked by John Kamin)
Resolution No. 354: Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program
HR 7010, Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020: This bill significantly changes
the PPP loans' terms to be more advantageous to small businesses. Including more flexibility in
applying the loan to other expenses besides payroll and benefits and extending the time frame for
expending the loan.
(Tracked by Joe Sharpe)
HR 4625: To require education programs to be approved by the V.A. to abide by the Principles of
Excellence to include a ban on deceptive or misleading recruiting, clear information about total
costs and program requirements, accommodation for deployments, ensuring a point of contact for
veterans, and not being under a punitive action by an accreditor.
(Tracked by John Kamin)
Resolution No. 318: Ensuring the Quality of Servicemember and Veteran Student's Education at
Institutions of Higher Education
HR 6957: To direct the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to treat a period of full-time
National Guard duty, performed in response to the national emergency declared on March 13, 2020,
by the President concerning COVID-19, as not shorter than 90 days.
(Tracked by John Kamin)
Resolution No.: Currently studying for appropriate resolution.
HR 4920 Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting Preference Consistency Act of 2020: is
a bill that would allow AbilityOne companies to keep their preferential treatment at the Department
of Veteran Affairs after 2016 with some compromises. The Senate initially sent it back to the House
after it was passed for changes. Those changes have been reconciled, and the bill cleared its last
hurdle before it is sent to the White House.
S. 2594: To amend title 5, United States Code, to modify specific requirements concerning service
and retirement for veterans’ Preference for federal hiring.
(Tracked by Ariel De Jesus)
Resolution No. 317: Enforcing Veterans' Preference Hiring Practices in Federal Civil Service
S. 3745, Coronavirus Emergency Borrower Defense (E-BD) Act: to require the Department of
Education to grant full student loan discharges to three specific emergency categories of defrauded
borrowers—specifically borrowers covered by:
(1) Department of Education findings against Corinthian.
(2) Department of Education findings against ITT Tech; and
(3) State attorneys general group discharge applications made before the date of
enactment.
(Tracked by John Kamin)
Resolution No. 82: Preserve Veteran and Servicemember Rights to Gainful Employment and
Borrower Defense Protections
TOPIC 3b: ACTION TAKEN ON LEGISLATION
Building Credit Access for Veterans Act: A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
carry out a pilot program to establish an automated process for obtaining alternative credit rating
information and other purposes.
(Tracked by Ariel)
Status: Draft Bill / Letter of Support submitted on October 13
HR 8426: Protecting Apprenticeship Training for Veterans Act: Currently, veterans must meet a
minimum number of apprenticeship hours to receive their Housing Allowance. Due to pandemic
work shortages, veterans in those programs now face a reduction or suspension in their stipend.
This would allow veteran apprentices who were laid off to roll over excess hours from a previous
month to meet the hourly requirement.
(Tracked by John Kamin)
Resolution: Resolution No. 25: Support and Expand Apprenticeship Opportunities for
Servicemembers
Status: Letter of Support drafted
HR 4941: Veteran Employment Transition Act” or the “VET Act” was sponsored by
Representative Andy Kim. The bill's last action was in the House on 12/02/2019; it was referred to
the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. The bill's goal is to improve the Transition Assistance
Program. The bill would allow certain veterans' service organizations to contact veterans regarding
benefits and better inform veterans of employment opportunities. The Service groups would inform
veterans of the benefits and employment opportunities with the Federal, State, and local
governments. The groups inform veterans of events in the area.
(Tracked by Ariel De Jesus)
Resolution No. 70: Improve Transition Assistance Program
Status: Letter of Support submitted
HR 7003: is a bill sponsored by Rep. Takano, Mark D-CA-41, and was introduced 05/22/2020.
The bill would authorize a pilot program in the Department of Defense to enhance efforts to provide
job placement assistance and related employment services directly to the National Guard, Reserves,
and veterans of the Armed Forces. The last action on the bill was 05/22/2020 and referred to the
Committee on Armed Services.
(Tracked by Ariel De Jesus)
Resolution No. 81: Transition Assistance Program Employment Workshops for National Guard
and Reserve Members
Status: Pending Letter of Support
Draft Bill: Veterans Educational Assistance Transparency and Accountability Improvement Act,
improve the G.I. Bill Comparison Tool ensures veterans, servicemembers, and their families are
better informed when choosing what educational institution is best for them.
Resolution No. 327: Support Further Assessment and Evaluation of Institutions of Higher
Learning to Enable Veterans to Make Informed Education Choices
Status: Letter of Support submitted
Draft Bill: JSF - To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the scope of procedural rights
of members of the uniformed services concerning their employment and reemployment rights, and
for other purposes.
(Tracked by Ariel De Jesus)
Status: We submitted written testimony for the July 23, 2020 hearing.
Draft Bill: USERRA Protections for State Active Duty - To amend title 38, United States Code,
extend particular employment and reemployment rights to members of the National Guard who
perform State active duty. Submitted written testimony to the Legislative Division.
(Tracked by Ariel De Jesus)
Resolution No. 315: Support Employment and Reemployment Rights of National Guard and
Reservists Returning from Deployment
Status: We submitted written testimony for the July 23, 2020 hearing.
HR 7111: Veterans Economic Recovery Act of 2020: Require the Secretary of V.A. to carry out
a rapid retraining program that provides eligible veterans up to 12 months of retraining assistance
for in-demand occupations. These 12 months of benefits would be equivalent to students' and
schools' payments through the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
(Tracked by John Kamin)
Resolution No. 316: Support Employment of Veterans in the Public and Private Workforce
Status: This bill was submitted for the July 23, 2020 testimony.
HR 7445: To expand eligibility for home loans from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to individual
members of the Armed Forces reserve components.
Resolution No. 329: Support Home Loan Guaranty Program
Status: This bill was submitted for the July 23, 2020 testimony.
SAL National Legislative Commission
SAL Legislative Commission Conference Call
Conference Call
Thursday February 4, 2021 7PM EDT
Call In # 712-775-7031 Access 988 284 103#
Agenda
Welcome & Roll Call
Commission Members: Chairman Tom Deal
Vice Chairman Mike Monserud (IA)
Bernie Kessler (OH)
Bill Kelley (FL)
David Lee (NY)
Richard Humphrey (CO)
Asst Adjutant – David Ridenhour
Opening Statement by Chairman
Discussion of Corona Virus and keeping everyone safe.
Old Business
Resolutions: We are refining the two resolutions that were submitted from Legislative
Commission for National Chaplain and Legislative Commission.
The George B. Evans Veterans Advocate of the Year Award needs more visibility.
Powerpoint Slide update.
New Business:
Washington Conference 2021 is virtual this year.
No Wreath Laying Ceremony.
Commission members to speak
NVC Conference Call assignments:
East: David Lee
South: Bill Kelly
Central: Mike Monserud
Midwest: Bernie Kessler
West: Richard Humphrey
Legislative Conference Calls: The Legislative Commission will continue bi-
monthly calls on the first Thursday of the month in then following dates: April,
June and August. Calls will be at 7:00 pm eastern time.
We had Bi-monthly conference calls are now on 1 st Thursday of the month on the
even months.
Question & Answer Session
Next Conference Call - April 1, 2021 at 7 pm eastern time.
Next S.A.L National Legislative Commission call will be 02/03/2021 at 7pm. the number is 712-775-7031 code 988284103