The Senate passed an amendment to the Military Construction, Veteran Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. In July, the VFW testified in favor of H.R. 705, Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act, which mirrors the aforementioned bill. This amendment would block VA from automatically referring veterans with fiduciaries to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), which prohibits the ownership of firearms. It would also require that any VA referrals to NICS must first have the order of a judge indicating that the person is a danger to themselves or others. The VFW sees this as a necessary step to ensure the right of due process for veterans.
Senate Committee Hearing on VA Accountability
The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held an oversight hearing on VA accountability and transparency. Efforts to streamline VA’s ability to hire and fire employees in an efficient manner were discussed. “Accountability and transparency must be cornerstones of fulfilling VA’s mission to provide high quality care and benefits to our veterans. We can all agree that bad actors at VA cannot and will not be tolerated,” said Chairman Jon Tester.
Expected COLA Increases Announced
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 3.2% benefit increase for 2024. VA compensation payment rates will match the rates from SSA. Veterans can expect to see the new amounts starting with their January 2024 payment.
Important Dates in November
The month of November has many important days. Here are just a few:
November is National Veterans & Military Family Month, also Warrior Care Month, and National Family Caregivers Month.
Nov. 1-5 – National Veterans Small Business Week
Nov. 5 – Daylight Savings Time Ends
Nov.10 – Marine Corps Day birthday
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day
Nov. 23 – Thanksgiving Day
POW/MIA Update
Army Pvt. 1st Class Henry C. Wade, 24, of Decatur, Kentucky, was assigned to Company K, 3d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. He was killed in action in November 1944. He will be buried on Nov. 29, 2023, in Russell Springs, Kentucky.
Army Staff Sgt. Robert G. Rudd, 34, of Gatesville, Texas, was assigned to Company C, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2D Infantry Division. He was killed in action on Jan. 30, 1945. The War Department issued a Report of Death on Feb. 20, 1945. He will be buried in Belton, Texas, on a date to be determined.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
