Newsbytes December 20, 2024

In this Issue:
The Senator Elizabeth Dole Bill Passes! 
Looming Government Shutdown 
VA's Annual Veteran Suicide Report Shows Progress 
FRA NHQ Holiday Closures 

The Senator Elizabeth Dole Bill Passes! 
Shipmates, your voices have made a profound difference. The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (HR.8371) passed Congress. By reaching out to your representatives, you've helped secure a future where veterans receive the respect, care, and benefits they've earned. This bill represents a significant advancement in how our nation cares for its veterans. Here’s what your efforts have helped achieve: 

- Enhanced Healthcare Access: The bill improves access to community care, reducing wait times and travel burdens for veterans, particularly those in rural areas or with mobility constraints. It also expands the Veteran Directed Care program across all VA medical centers, giving veterans more control over their health services. 

- Mental Health and Caregiver Support: Recognizing the immense challenges faced by caregivers, the legislation authorizes grants for mental health support, directly aiding those who support our veterans day in and day out. It also includes provisions for better mental health services for veterans themselves. 

- Expanded Benefits: With provisions like Gerald's Law, veterans can now choose to spend their final days at home without losing VA burial benefits, adding dignity to their end-of-life care. The bill also raises expenditure caps for home and community-based services, offering more options for long-term care outside of institutional settings. 

- Modernization and Recognition: The act focuses on modernizing the delivery of benefits through technology, ensuring veterans receive timely and efficient services. It also acknowledges and supports those organizations and individuals who dedicate their lives to veterans' welfare. 

Once again, thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your action. Together, we've taken a monumental step forward in supporting our veterans, and your efforts will continue to resonate for years to come. 

Looming Government Shutdown 
The first Continuing Resolution (CR) aimed at funding the U.S. government through mid-March was heavily opposed by President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Musk labeled the CR as "pork" on his platform X, swaying Republican lawmakers against it. Trump, with Vice President-elect JD Vance, publicly criticized the bill, indicating a government shutdown might be preferable to its passage. This opposition resulted in the CR's failure. 

 Subsequently, a second, supposedly "clean" CR was introduced, which Trump endorsed. However, this version also failed to pass, with 38 House Republicans voting against it. This clean CR was meant to address the criticisms but did not garner enough support, leading the government closer to a shutdown. 

The impact on active duty military, retirees, and veterans is significant: 

- Active Duty Military: They would continue to serve without immediate pay disruptions since they are considered essential, but there could be delays in receiving their salaries if the shutdown extends. Training and certain administrative support services might be curtailed. 
Unlike other branches of the military, the Coast Guard falls under the Department of Homeland Security, which does not have the same funding guarantees during a shutdown. Members could go without pay, as happened during previous shutdowns, causing immediate financial hardship. Missions would continue, but with potential impacts on operational readiness due to lack of funds for maintenance, new contracts, and support services. 
 
- Retirees: Retirement pay should remain unaffected as it's mandatory spending, but there might be delays in processing changes or updates to benefits. 

- Veterans: VA benefits like disability payments and pensions are secure due to mandatory funding, but new claims, appeals, and non-critical services could face delays or interruptions. Healthcare services at VA facilities are expected to continue for essential care, though elective surgeries or non-emergency appointments might be postponed. 

The political deadlock has now set the stage for further negotiations as Congress scrambles to avoid a shutdown. In response to these developments, the Fleet Reserve Association is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the benefits of active duty members, retirees, veterans and their families are not jeopardized. The association is advocating for swift legislative action to maintain the welfare and services critical to these groups. 

VA's Annual Veteran Suicide Report Shows Progress 
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released its latest annual report analyzing veteran suicide data from 2001 to 2022. The findings highlight significant progress, though challenges remain in reducing veteran suicides nationwide. 

The report reveals a notable decrease in veteran suicides between 2021 and 2022. Both the number and rate of suicides dropped, reflecting meaningful progress in combating this critical issue. The analysis spans over two decades, providing valuable insights into long-term trends and the effectiveness of existing prevention strategies. 

Reduction in Suicide Rates: A measurable decline in veteran suicide rates was observed, indicating the success of some prevention efforts. 

Long-Term Trends: The report covers more than 20 years of data, offering a comprehensive view of patterns and emerging concerns. 

Impact of Interventions: Targeted mental health and support programs were identified as contributing factors to the decline. 

Continued Risks: Despite improvements, suicide rates remain high, highlighting the need for sustained action and investment in support services. 

While progress has been made, the number of veteran suicides remains concerning. The VA stresses the importance of continuing efforts to enhance mental health care, expand access to treatment, and strengthen community-based support systems. 

The decline in veteran suicides is encouraging, but the VA warns that much work remains. Factors like improved healthcare access, reduced mental health stigma, and stronger post-service support have likely contributed to the positive trend. 

Ensuring continued success will require commitment from policymakers, healthcare providers, and community members. Each plays a vital role in supporting veterans’ mental well-being and ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve. 

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) remains committed to advocating through legislation and education for mental health issues affecting active-duty service members and veterans. FRA will ensure that vital mental health services and support systems are strengthened and expanded. 

Findings are made available to the public in an Annual Report in two parts—In-depth Reviews and Report Findings. The report is based on national death certificate data currently available through 2022. 

FRA NHQ Holiday Closures 
The FRA National Headquarters (NHQ) staff wishes everyone a Merry Christmas, a safe and joyous holiday, and a very happy 2025! Our offices will close on Tuesday Dec. 24, 2024, and will reopen on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024.