Video & Transcript : 'Veteran' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- By 2034, women veterans will comprise 15% of the veteran population in California.
- Women veterans are projected to make up 15% of California's veteran population. Thank you.
- Women veterans are projected to make up 15% of California's veteran population by 2034.
- Women veterans are projected to make up 15% of California's veteran population by 2034.
- Navy combat veteran, and with Veteran Benefits Guide, and I oppose this bill.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met as a subcommittee because a quorum was initially lacking, and heard six bills. AB 81 by Assemblymember Ta would require CalVet to study the mental health needs of women veterans; supporters from county veterans service officers, veterans organizations, and behavioral health groups said women veterans face higher rates of military sexual trauma, PTSD, depression, and suicide, while no opposition appeared. The bill was later passed 7-0 and re-referred to Appropriations.
AB 826 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would prohibit unaccredited individuals or businesses from charging veterans fees to file or assist with VA benefits claims, impose a civil penalty, and direct penalty revenue to veterans services and district attorneys. Supporters argued the bill would curb predatory “claim sharks” and protect veterans from exploitation, while opponents from private claims consulting firms and several veterans said the measure could restrict access to legitimate help and should be narrowed to target bad actors instead of banning paid assistance broadly. After extensive testimony and discussion about federal law, accreditation, and possible amendments, the committee passed the bill 8-0 and re-referred it to Judiciary.
AB 556 by Assemblymember Patterson would clarify that campus-level mandatory fees are covered under the CalVet fee waiver for dependents of certain veterans and Medal of Honor recipients. Supporters said the bill would fulfill the state’s promise to veterans’ families, while concerns were raised about fiscal impacts on CSU campuses and the need for more precise cost estimates. The bill was passed 6-0 and sent to Appropriations. The committee also adopted its rules 7-0 and approved the consent calendar, which included AB 264, AB 1508, and AB 1509, all re-referred to Appropriations.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- the Veterans Advocate.
- We want to hire veterans.
- He's a Marine Corps veteran.
- veteran service organizations.
- veteran service organizations.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its second public hearing of the 2025–26 session, with opening remarks from Chairs John Velis and Joe McGonagle outlining testimony on 20 House bills and 18 Senate bills. The hearing covered a wide range of veterans issues, including municipal veterans assistance funds, pension equity, expanding the Office of the Veterans Advocate, veterans service officer staffing, disability benefits eligibility, service dogs, POW tax relief, courtesy parking spaces, women veterans and motherhood, and workforce-related licensing and employment measures. Chairs emphasized the hybrid format, three-minute testimony limit, and written testimony process.
Several bills drew support focused on expanding services and access. Representative Arena-DeRosa spoke for bills to broaden municipal veterans assistance funds to cover housing and legal expenses and to study enhanced pension equity for veterans, citing burn pit exposure and shorter life expectancy among veterans. Senator Fattman, Representative Peas, and Veterans Advocate Bob Notch supported bills expanding the Office of the Veterans Advocate to include active-duty service members and their families, arguing it would improve transition support, coordination with state agencies, and retention of military talent in Massachusetts. Representative Arriaga backed a bill to incentivize municipalities to provide full-time or regional veterans service officers and another to study the impact of combat on women veterans and motherhood. Representative Moulton/another sponsor also sought to exempt veterans’ disability payments from income calculations for other state benefits, and Representative Hong and Senator Scanlan supported a state service dog program, POW income tax relief, and courtesy retail parking spaces for veterans.
Testimony also focused on workforce and claims-assistance issues. The Military Officers Association of America and James Keene urged passage of bills waiving duplicative education requirements so qualified veterans and military medics can become licensed practical nurses, arguing it would help address health care shortages and recognize military training. Brave Veterans Inc. called for a Veterans Research Trust Fund to protect data and program evaluation work during budget cuts. On claims assistance, one witness supported criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans for VA claims help, while a private consulting firm opposed the bill, arguing it would restrict lawful speech and veterans’ choice and that existing federal and HERO Act safeguards already address abuses. The VFW strongly opposed paid claims consulting, said its accredited service officers provide free help statewide, and urged more public awareness of existing free services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Feb 18th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- War II veterans.
- free for veterans.
- They tell me what women veterans need specifically for women veterans.
- I said, 'You a veteran?' I thought he wasn't. He said, 'Yeah, I was a veteran.'
- Army veteran.
Summary:
The committee took up SB 116 by Senator Burgess, a veterans bill aimed at several FDVA-related changes. The bill would reduce annual nominations to the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame from 20 to 5, expand FDVA’s survey work to assess veterans’ awareness of available programs and their health literacy, add mental health training to the veterans suicide prevention pilot, strengthen coordination and reporting between Veterans Florida and FDVA, direct FDVA to develop a plan for adult day health care facilities statewide, and allow the Florida Veterans Foundation to use a portion of Gadsden flag plate proceeds for administrative costs. Senator Burgess said the measure builds on prior “Forward March” efforts and helps close service gaps for aging veterans and others who may not know about available benefits.
Testimony on SB 116 was uniformly supportive. FDVA leadership said adult day health care could be added at existing facilities such as Port St. Lucie and Lake City, and that the state would need authority and funding to move forward. A veterans legal collaborative, AARP Florida, and Endeavors all voiced support, with speakers emphasizing the importance of better outreach, mental health awareness, and care options that allow veterans to remain at home. The committee then voted favorably on SB 116.
The remainder of the meeting was devoted to agency and stakeholder presentations. Florida National Guard officials described a high operational tempo, deployments at home and abroad, hurricane response efforts, and the need to grow the force and infrastructure. FDVA’s adjutant general reported Florida now has the nation’s second-largest veteran population, rising in-migration of younger veterans, a large and aging Vietnam-era population, strong claims and outreach activity, declining veteran homelessness, and improved suicide prevention outcomes. The Florida Veterans Foundation outlined its emergency relief, dental, transportation, and license-plate-funded programs, while Veterans Florida and CareerSource Florida detailed workforce, apprenticeship, SkillBridge, entrepreneurship, and job-fair programs for veterans and spouses, along with efforts to expand recurring funding and better protect customer information.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Military and Veterans Affairs Oct 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- For our veterans.
- You have the Veterans Helping Veterans Center.
- The only veterans organization that I know of, other than Veterans Helping Veterans, is the American
- We deal with all types of veterans: combat veterans, suicidal veterans, and everything in between.
- Arizona veterans, New Mexico veterans didn't come forward.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 3rd, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The Veterans Affairs Department oversees the statewide Military Veteran Peer Network and connects veterans
- I'm a member of the Veterans Commission and a U.S. Army veteran.
- if they take advantage of the veteran, if they charge the veteran too much, or they make the veteran
- Disabled American veterans, American Legion, veteran of foreign wars, Vietnam veterans of America.
- American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, Korean Veterans.
Committee:
House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 03/03/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- Veterans benefit services are the services that a veteran or family member of a veteran might reasonably
- of County Veterans Service Officers, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
- to</c> represent veteran and Veteran says to represent veteran and Veteran says to the<00:35:24.599>
- </c> veterans and do what's best for veterans veterans and do what's best for veterans but<01:05:38.920
- , prevent veterans' suicide, and support justice-involved veterans.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jul 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Department of Veterans Affairs.
- a veteran.
- , and more options to veterans.
- protections for veterans.
- I'm a Coast Guard veteran.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met with a quorum and first approved its consent calendar, which included AJR 15, SB 56, SB 296, and SB 855, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee then heard SB 694 by Senator Archuleta, a bill aimed at protecting veterans from unaccredited claims representatives and other for-profit entities that charge fees to assist with VA disability claims. The author and supporters, including county veterans service officers and veterans organizations, argued the measure would curb predatory practices, restore accountability, and steer veterans toward free, accredited assistance through CVSOs and other authorized representatives.
Testimony in support emphasized that veterans are often targeted online and may pay large fees for services that are available for free, while supporters said unaccredited firms lack transparency and can exploit vulnerable veterans. Opposition witnesses, including representatives of claims-assistance companies and individual veterans, argued the bill would eliminate choice and that some contingency-based firms provide useful services, better outcomes, and faster claims processing. Committee members debated whether the bill would unlawfully bar legitimate assistance or whether it was needed to stop illegal business practices, with several members noting the issue is also being litigated in federal court and that an accreditation process already exists through the VA.
After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 694 and refer it to the Committee on Judiciary. The final vote was 6 ayes, with some members not voting. The committee then completed the consent calendar vote, which passed with eight votes, and adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jul 1st, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I am so proud and happy to be here as a veteran and to address you all, who I know love our veterans.
- Department of Veterans Affairs.
- veteran.
- , and more options to veterans.
- I'm a Coast Guard veteran.
Committee:
House Military and Veterans Affairs
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met with a quorum and first approved its consent calendar, including AJR 15, SB 56, SB 296, and SB 855, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee then heard SB 694 by Senator Archuleta, which would require VA accreditation for veterans’ claims representatives and prohibit unaccredited persons from charging fees or otherwise handling VA claims, with the author and supporters arguing the bill would protect veterans from predatory “claims shark” businesses and restore accountability.
Support came from county veterans service officers, veterans organizations, National Guard representatives, and several individual veterans, who said accredited public services are free and that unaccredited firms often charge large fees, delay claims, or use questionable practices. Opposition testimony came from a veterans advocate and representatives of private claims companies, who argued that some for-profit consultants provide useful, performance-based assistance, that veterans need choice, and that the bill could eliminate access for those who cannot get timely help from public or nonprofit providers.
Committee members debated whether the bill would unlawfully restrict services already operating in a gray area under federal law, whether there is enough data on the impact of private claims assistance, and whether amendments could preserve “good actors” while targeting bad practices. The author and supporters responded that federal law already bars the conduct, that the state lacks oversight over these companies, and that the bill is a first step toward stronger protections. SB 694 was ultimately passed out of committee on a 6-0 vote and referred to the Committee on Judiciary; the consent calendar also passed with eight votes.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I've also had the honor of serving veterans at the national level with the Disabled American Veterans
- the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and CalVet.
- Veterans who are Specifically targeted vulnerable veterans: veterans who are currently homeless, veterans
- raising children, veterans awaiting disability determination from the Veterans Administration.
- SB 1201 ensures that every veteran who applies for benefits is connected to a county service veteran
Summary:
The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee heard several veterans-related bills, beginning as a subcommittee until a quorum was established. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. Support came from veterans organizations, county veterans services officers, and local government representatives; there was no opposition. The bill was moved to Appropriations and later recorded as passing 4-0.
SB 1040 would create a state-local matching program for maintenance endowments for veterans’ cemeteries, with the state matching private or local contributions up to $250,000 per cemetery per year. Supporters emphasized the need for sustainable perpetual care funding for state and county cemeteries, and there was no opposition. SB 1407, the chair’s bill, would exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits from state income tax; supporters argued it would help retain military retirees in California and support the economy, while members noted similar bills had previously stalled in Appropriations. SB 1034 would streamline disabled veteran parking placard eligibility for certain 100% permanent and total veterans, and SB 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act, would seek federal waivers and related changes to protect vulnerable veterans from CalFresh/SNAP cuts and connect applicants to county veterans service officers. All of these bills received support from veterans groups and related organizations, with no opposition heard.
SB 1354 would prohibit out-of-state military personnel not operating under Title 10 from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the governor’s permission, with supporters framing it as a safeguard for state authority and civil liberties. The committee asked about legal testing of the proposal, and the author said it had not yet been tested in court. After roll calls and a brief recess to regain members, the committee recorded 4-0 votes to pass the bills and consent calendar items, and the meeting adjourned after thanking veterans for their service.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- The veteran service officer has a power of attorney with that veteran.
- We get zero from our veterans.
- Yesterday, I spent some time with two of my veterans, both Vietnam veterans.
- veterans.
- Missouri veteran suicide rates: we lost 171 Missouri veterans by suicide in 2023.
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 2535 in executive session. Members adopted a House committee substitute and two cleanup amendments, including clarifications related to Gold Star spouses and a correction to a property tax exemption amount for veterans. The substitute was then approved, and the committee voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2535 do pass by a recorded vote of 15 ayes and 1 no.
The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 974, which Senator Black described as a consumer-protection measure aimed at preventing exploitation of veterans by unaccredited claims assistance companies. The bill would restrict compensation for referrals and certain claims work, require written agreements, cap fees tied to benefit increases, and prohibit upfront fees and misleading practices. Supporters, including a former VA official and several veterans, argued the bill would provide needed guardrails and choice for veterans navigating a difficult claims process. Opponents, including the VFW and Missouri veterans groups, argued the bill conflicts with federal law and could legitimize paid claims assistance outside the VA accreditation system; they urged striking the contested section and relying on existing federal rules and Missouri consumer-protection law instead.
Testimony also covered several other provisions folded into SB 974, including military leave for public employees, National Guard-related items, survivor benefit tax deductions, and the MoGives living organ donor language. Witnesses on the organ donor provision said it would help service members avoid financial hardship while donating organs. The hearing ended without a vote on SB 974, and the chair announced the committee was out of time and adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Douglas Collins, of Georgia, to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Jan 21st, 2025
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- , and military veteran.
- Veterans.
- And that could be a problem for veterans, especially older veterans.
- serving veterans.
- on with veterans.
Committee:
Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- by the veteran.
- The Veterans of Foreign Wars. I represent that veteran, my organization.
- “Yes, 85% of our staff are either veterans.” “I mean, are they veterans as well?”
- So when we do our intake process with a veteran, we look at the entire veteran.
- I’m a Vietnam veteran. My grandfather was a World War II veteran.
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first went into executive session, where it adopted a House Committee substitute combining House Bills 3078 and 2672 and voted the substitute do pass, with one no vote. It then separately voted House Bill 2362 and House Bill 2588 do pass, each by 16 ayes and one no. During the executive session, one member objected to the combined bill on constitutional equal-protection grounds, while another supported it as a benefit for veterans.
In public hearing, Representative Stephanie Boykin presented House Bill 3280, which would create a Missouri specialty license plate for the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who previously qualified for a disabled veteran plate. She described it as a low-cost way to continue honoring a veteran’s service and family sacrifice. Committee members and a surviving spouse testified in strong support, emphasizing the recognition of spouses’ sacrifices and noting that similar plates exist in other states. No opposition was offered.
The committee then heard House Bill 3029, sponsored by Representative Schulte, which would require disclosures and prohibit compensation for referrals in the business of advising or assisting with veterans’ benefits, with penalties for violations. Supporters, including a Missouri veterans service officer, argued the bill was needed to stop unaccredited “claim shark” companies from charging veterans for initial claims and using misleading social media advertising. Opponents, including a representative of Veterans Guardian and a VA-accredited attorney, argued the bill would restrict lawful private-sector assistance, reduce veterans’ choice, and should be narrowed to target bad actors while exempting accredited attorneys and referral arrangements. The hearing also included a presentation on the Missouri Veterans Recognition Program, which provides medals and certificates for veterans of major conflicts, and a presentation on MU Extension’s Veteran REEDS program, which uses literature and discussion to support veterans and first responders through community-based resilience work.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I've also had the honor of serving veterans at the national level with the Disabled American Veterans
- the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and CalVet.
- Veterans who are specifically targeted vulnerable veterans, veterans who are currently homeless, veterans
- raising children, veterans awaiting disability determination from the Veterans Administration.
- SB 1201 ensures that every veteran who applies for benefits is connected to a county service veteran
Committee:
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard several veterans-related bills. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. Support came from veterans organizations, county veterans services groups, and local officials; there was no opposition, and the bill was approved and sent to Appropriations. SB 1040 would create a state-local matching program for veterans’ cemetery maintenance endowments, with the state matching private or local deposits up to $250,000 per cemetery per year. It drew support from veterans groups and county representatives and was also approved and sent to Appropriations.
The committee also considered SB 1407, which would exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse military retirement benefits from state income tax. The author and supporters argued it would help retain military retirees in California and support the workforce and economy. The bill received broad support from veterans organizations, county officials, and labor representatives, with no opposition, and was moved to Appropriations, with the roll held open and later completed. SB 1034 would streamline access to disabled veteran parking placards for veterans rated 100% permanent and total, and SB 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act, would seek federal waivers and other changes to protect vulnerable veterans from CalFresh/SNAP cuts and ensure referrals to county veterans service officers. Both bills had support from veterans advocates and food banks, no opposition, and were approved to Appropriations.
Finally, SB 1354 would prohibit out-of-state military personnel from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the governor’s permission, while preserving Title 10 activations and mutual aid arrangements. The author and the California Public Defenders Association framed it as a safeguard for state authority and civil rights; there was no opposition, and it was sent to Public Safety. After the main votes, the committee later completed the held rolls and reported the bills out, then adjourned after thanking veterans and attendees.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Hector Soto, a veterans' advocate.
- I've also had the honor of serving veterans at the national level with the Disabled American Veterans
- the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and CalVet.
- Veterans who are currently homeless, veterans raising children, and veterans awaiting disability determinations
- from the Veterans Administration.
Committee:
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- It's about dollars to the veteran, but what the veteran actually should be getting.”
- The Veterans of Foreign Wars. I represent that veteran, my organization.
- We do talk to veterans that come to us, but we're not reaching out to veterans per se.
- So when we do our intake process with a veteran, we look at the entire veteran.
- I'm a Vietnam veteran. My father was a World War II veteran.
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Veterans and Armed Forces Apr 7th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Veterans and Armed Forces
Transcript Highlights:
- The veteran service officer has a power of attorney with that veteran.
- Yesterday, I spent some time with two of my veterans, both Vietnam veterans.
- Both Vietnam veterans.
- veterans.
- They're not—the veterans are.
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 1/22/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- Veterans on the Lake.
- I'm a retired Iraq veteran.
- I'm a retired Iraq veteran.
- . ...nearly a thousand veterans called for the first passage of a veterans omnibus bill, a veterans and
- </c> of Veterans Affairs and County Veteran of Veterans Affairs and County Veteran service<00:42:37.880
Committee:
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, July 16, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> America's veterans. America's veterans.
- I yield for an answer. veterans and veterans organizations. veterans and veterans organizations.
- Actually, for disabled veterans to pay for veterans.
- Quote, "Pitting veterans against veterans." End quote.
- </c> Veterans Affairs. Veterans Affairs.
Keywords:
Orland Project, Central Valley Project, Sacramento Canal Unit, water transfer, water rights, drought relief, federal reclamation, Bureau of Reclamation, California water, irrigation, water management, Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act, Reclamation Reform Act, water users association, water supply, drought resilience
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- VETERANS NURSING HOMES.
- ESPECIALLY FOR VETERANS.
- EMPLOYMENT FOR VETERANS.
- HE SAID HE WAS A VETERAN.
- FLORIDA FOR VETERANS.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, veterans make great employees, but veterans also make great business owners.
- veterans and we also work with the veteran treatment courts.
- Renovate homes for disabled veterans and low-income veterans. Mental health grants.
- That's going to be with the Veterans Land Board, the Texas Veterans Network.
- Veteran on the Veterans Affairs Committee in the Senate.
Committee:
Senate Veteran Affairs