1. National Legislative Service
Carlos Fuentes, Director

2. The Importance of Legislative Advocacy
Veterans Benefits don’t just happen
Stronger and better advocates together
100 Years of Legislative Advocacy
Veterans preference
WWI War Bonuses
GI Bill
Toxic Exposures
Protect What We Have Secured
Elimination of IU and other CBO proposals
COLA round down
TRICARE Increases

3. Recent Victories
VA MISSION Act of 2018
Forever GI Bill
Streamlined appeals process
VA Accountability and
Whistleblower Protection
Act of 2017
Forever GI Bill Accountability

4. Make Legislative Advocacy a Priority
Stay informed
Get involved
All politics is local!
Presidential Campaigns
GOTV
Work with our Legislative Ambassador and the VFW Legislative Committee
Know your congressional delegation. Use your position and access to make a difference for service members, veterans, and their families.

5. Make Legislative Advocacy a Priority
Respond to Action Alerts
Latest alert (Pay the Coast Guard)
308,000 received, 50,000 opened, 5,000 have taken action, 22,000 messages
Most successful (Blue Water)
309,000 received, 100,000 opened, 11,000 took action, 32,000 messages

6. 2019 Priority Goals
Blue Water Navy
Concurrent Receipt (DIC/SBP Offset)
Properly Fund VA and DOD
Transition Assistance
Health Care and Benefits
Implementation
Many more…

7. We’re Here to Help www.vfw.org/advocacy
Talking Points & Priority Goals
Congressional Testimony
Action Corps
Voting Brochure
VA Health Care Watch

8. QUESTIONS? Contact the VFW National Legislative Service
Call: (202)