Over 20 organizations call on Congress to support service members, veterans, caregivers, survivors, and military families

/PRNewswire/ - A coalition of 22 national veteran, military, caregiver, and survivor organizations has urged Congress to approve the Take Care of America's Veterans Act (S. 4744 / H.R. 9237), a wide-ranging set of more than 60 bills meant to bolster aid for service members, veterans, caregivers, survivors, and military families. The coalition released this statement:

"We call on Congress to approve the Take Care of America's Veterans Act for the millions of Americans who stand to gain directly from its provisions. Enactment would finally resolve the wounded veteran tax that requires more than 59,000 combat-injured, medically retired veterans to give up part of their earned military retirement pay, raise payments for the most severely wounded, broaden mental health and suicide-prevention services, and reinforce long-overdue aid for caregivers and survivors.

Congress can fulfill its duty by providing real assistance to those who have worn the uniform, along with the families, caregivers, and survivors who share that load.

For decades we have listened to their requests for support. The Take Care of America's Veterans Act offers a way to meet those requests. The benefits this measure would bring to the community are evident, and action must begin without delay.

As groups backing this legislation, we acknowledge varied opinions across the wider veteran community regarding its effects. Such differences must not block Congress from advancing the many long-standing goals contained in this bill.

Congress has not raised catastrophic injury compensation in decades or improved survivor benefits since 1993, while lawmakers have discussed the topics covered by the Major Richard Star Act for more than two decades.

We also see a need to separate these overdue changes from questions about funding the bill. As part of a broader update to the disability ratings system, the Department of Veterans Affairs has stated it plans to complete adjustments to certain disability rating calculations whether or not the legislation passes. The important point is where any resulting savings are directed: without the bill they go back to the Treasury, while with it they stay available to help veterans, caregivers, and survivors.

The case for action is evident. More than 32 million veterans, service members, caregivers, survivors, and military families could gain from this legislation, and many require its changes without delay. Each day of inaction delays the help this community has earned.

Members of Congress in both chambers must unite to meet our nation's obligations and approve the Take Care of America's Veterans Act promptly."

About the coalition: The coalition includes the following organizations: The American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, Wounded Warrior Project, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, American Veterans (AMVETS), American Optometric Association, Avalon Action Alliance, Commissioned Officers Association of the USPHS, Gold Star Spouses of America, K9s For Warriors, Korean War Veterans Association, Military Chaplains Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Mission Roll Call, National Defense Committee, National Military Family Association, Sons and Daughters In Touch, United States Army Warrant Officers Association, USCG Chief Petty Officers Association, Veterans Justice Alliance, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project