States should be able to pass laws impacting their citizens, especially while the U.S. Congress remains in constant gridlock. However, one urgent matter that needs more attention pertains to how some states, now including California, are meddling in the federal system over disability benefits for veterans.

A bill before the Legislature could restrict veterans' access to specialized private services, an invaluable source of support.

Ensuring the well-being of our veterans is one of the most sacred honors with which our lawmakers are entrusted. These men and women have laid everything on the line for the safety of the Freedom and Liberty we and our nation enjoy – often at considerable personal cost. It’s not just a matter of policy but a moral imperative to support those who have served the United States with such honor and sacrifice.

In trying to solve a problem on caring for veterans, Missouri’s state Legislature is on track to create a bigger one.

Before Missouri’s Second Regular Session of the 102nd General Assembly, House Bill 1490 on veterans disability has been introduced by state Rep. Dave Griffith, R-Jefferson City. As stated up front, HB 1490’s intent is to revise existing statutes “by adding one new section relating to veterans benefits, with penalty provisions.”

Addressing the well-being of the more than 106,000 courageous individuals living in Nebraska who have served in the military, defending our nation and championing freedom, poses challenges that go back not just decades but to the Revolutionary War at our nation’s founding.

When I retired from the Air Force nearly 20 years ago and settled in Virginia, I did what many friends did and filed for Veterans Administration (VA) disability, having suffered from injuries during 22 years of active duty worldwide.

As a former Arizona State Senator, I can attest that one of the first and foremost responsibilities of our elected officials is to provide and care for our veterans. Given their service and sacrifice in protecting the United States, often at great personal risk, my colleagues and I felt a moral and ethical obligation to watch over these individuals who had served our country in such a profound way.

By Jack Yoest in The Virginia Star

Private businesses play an indispensable role in supporting our veterans, filling critical gaps. By bringing specialized expertise and resources to complement the VA’s efforts, they provide timely and reassuring comprehensive assistance for veterans.

By Joe Meyers in the Palm Beach Post

States acting unilaterally to undercut what would logically appear to fall under federal jurisdiction seems to be all the rage these days.

By Wes Martin in Townhall

One of America’s longest running inside-the-beltway battles on domestic policy took a turn for the better last month with the American Legion showing leadership among Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) over who can help millions of veterans file disability claims.

By David Cook in Stars and Stripes

Disabled veterans are not stupid. Why are some members of Congress and even some Veteran Service Organizations acting like they are?

By Donald Logar in The Defense Post

Veterans should be able to easily and quickly access benefits, yet since 2019, there have been concerted efforts in Washington to complicate the VA claims process.

By Scott Brown in New Hampshire Union Leader

DOING RIGHT by America’s veterans requires providing more freedom and flexibility for their health care options. Unfortunately, some in Congress, including U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH), are moving in the opposite direction and pushing misguided legislation that would restrict rather than expand veteran choice.

By Craig DeRoche in The Detroit News

Michigan is blessed to have some of the most patriotic Americans in the country call our state home. More than 532,000 veterans live in the Wolverine State, and as one of the top 20 destinations for military retirees in the country we should pride ourselves on the community that heroes who served our country have chosen to build here.

Louisiana US Senator John Kennedy Press Release

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today introduced the Preserving Lawful Utilization of Services (PLUS) for Veterans Act of 2023 to help veterans access the greatest benefits from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) health care system by preserving their right to work with private groups when filing claims.

By Roger Champ in Stars & Stripes

When we look back on our nation's history, our gaze often falls upon the conflicts we've weathered.

BY PRESTON MCLAUGHLIN IN THE HILL

As the national debt ceiling negotiations in Washington reached a fever pitch again this year, health care for veterans took center stage.

By George Landrith in Townhall

There have been long standing problems and challenges for many of our nation’s veterans obtaining needed VA benefits. These veterans — brave and patriotic men and women — have sacrificed much for our country, and we owe them the highest levels of care and support upon returning to civilian life.

By Hon. Michael P. Flanagan in the Illinois Review.

The numbers of veterans in need and eligible for veterans’ benefits is at the highest level since the Vietnam Era, and growing daily.

Former Congressman Lincoln Davis in the Boston Herald

When I served in Congress during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, reforming the Veterans Administration was a hot button issue. It still is.