1. MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART
NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM

2. What We Do Work to develop MOPH national legislative priorities
Track current legislation as it moves through Congress
Actively lobby
Provide Congressional testimony
Send letters of support or opposition
Build and maintain relationships with Members of Congress, their staff, federal officials, and other VSOs in DC
Coordinate grassroots efforts

3. MOPH Legislative Victories This Year
The VA MISSION Act to improve the Veterans Choice Program and expand caregiver benefits to veterans of ALL eras– BECAME LAW
The Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act – PASSED HOUSE
H.R. 299 to extend the VA Home Loan fee waiver to active duty Purple Heart recipients– PASSED HOUSE
The Private Corrado Piccoli Purple Heart Preservation Act – PASSED SENATE
U.S. Senate Resolution Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day – ADOPTED

4. What You Can Do
Familiarize yourself with the MOPH legislative priorities
Build relationships with your Senators and Representatives and their staff, especially in your home districts
Request meetings
Join veterans advisory boards
Look for legislative updates through and social media
Participate in Voter Voice and upcoming surveys
Encourage others to participate as well
Contact us with an comments or questions

5. Voter Voice
Voter Voice is a service that allows Patriots and supporters to send pre-written messages to their Senators and Representatives about issues that are important to the MOPH
Of the 25K people that receive each Voter Voice , approximately 1K – 3K participate
This makes a difference, but we can still do better
Please encourage others to sign up and PARTICIPATE in Voter Voice
ANYONE can sign up and participate, not just MOPH, LAMOPH, and Associate Members

6. What You Can’t Do On Behalf of MOPH
Endorse political candidates, parties, or elected officials – this includes Chapter and Department newsletters
Make political statements to the media
Wear MOPH hats or apparel to political campaign events
Endorse federal legislation that has not been endorsed by MOPH National
Otherwise imply that MOPH is a partisan organization
If you ever have questions about any of this, please ask

7. When Speaking to Members of Congress
Be assertive but respectful
Have a game plan and stay on topic
Educate them about MOPH legislative priorities
Ask them to be specific about what they are doing for veterans; thank them when appropriate
Share your personal stories, both positive and negative
Take pictures and send them to us
Follow up with them and their staff

8. Remember… All politics is local Your voice matters as a constituent
Your elected officials represent YOU - make your voice heard
You are a subject matter expert on veterans’ issues
You are an important part of the legislative process and we are strongest when we work together
The MOPH National Legislative Program is here to support you

9. Contact Information

10. Questions/Comments?