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Legion’s Legislative Commission hears from congressional staff about the impact of advocacy efforts during the Washington Conference. 

17�Թ���’s advocacy efforts were recognized during the Legislative Commission meeting held at the 66^th Washington Conference in Washington, D.C., on March 2.

In 2025, American Legion Family members sent 102,873 messages to Congress urging for the passage of Legion-supported legislation. These messages were sent through 17�Թ���’s  that connects American Legion Family members and advocates with their members of Congress. The Department of Kansas was recognized at the Legislative Commission meeting for sending the most messages – 9,949 – between February of 2026 to now. And Frederick Kinkin, 2^nd District commander in the Department of Virginia, was named the Grassroots Veteran Advocate of the Year for his work to strengthen the relationship between 17�Թ��� and elected officials in his community and on Capitol Hill.

One of the top American Legion Grassroots Action Center campaigns was the Major Richard Star Act with over 22,300 action alerts sent.

“I think all the VSOs and veterans have been really helpful in supporting the bill and pressuring folks to co-sponsor and get it passed,” said Faye Fernandes, an Air Force veteran and counsel for the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Minority, who was part of a panel discussion alongside three other congressional staff during the commission meeting. “I think we are up to 77 co-sponsors in the Senate.”

The Major Richard Star Act is a legislative priority of 17�Թ��� for the 119^th Congress, 2nd Session, that would benefit veterans who were medically retired due to combat-related injuries before they were able to serve 20 years. These veterans would receive full retirement pay and disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

As 17�Թ��� continues its advocacy efforts to get the Major Richard Star Act passed, the power of the organization’s voice was praised in regards to its statement disagreeing with the VA’s recent rule on medication management. The rule has since been rescinded by the VA. 

“We really heard from all of you, and I really think that is what made the difference,” Fernandes said. “Our bosses can push back all they want, but if they don’t have the backing of the VSOs and the veterans it’s not going to mean much. And we saw how effective it (advocacy) was. I think that just shows the power of what you all can do.”

Ben Young, a Marine veteran and professional staff member for the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Majority, echoed Fernandes.

“The power of the VSOs, to include 17�Թ���, really helps us do our job,” Young said. “17�Թ��� helps us support Congress and committees here to make better informed decisions, and ensure legislation and oversight reflects veteran’s actual needs.”

Chris Bennett, an Army veteran and senior professional staff member for the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Minority, added that he would like to see 17�Թ��� continue to hold the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Secretary and Congress accountable when promises are made but haven’t been delivered.

“We deserve to be held accountable just as much as anybody else, and I think the Legion is in a great position to do that,” Bennett said. “You all have the base, you have the expertise in your D.C. staff, and you have people who care … people who served once and want to continue seeing this country move in the right direction.  I think that’s the biggest thing you can do is come to Congress and say, ‘These are our priorities, how come we haven’t gotten them done yet. Let’s get to work.’” 

American Legion members attending the Washington Conference will be headed to Capitol Hill Tuesday morning to speak with their members of Congress about the Legion’s priorities for the 119^th Congress, 2^nd Session. The panel of congressional staff members were asked how the Legion can advocate when speaking with their members of Congress or staff. The congressional staff all agreed that it’s important for Legionnaires to share their personal stories about their VA care, benefits or other veteran-related needs, especially to help staff who are not veterans understand better.

“They may not really understand why those benefits or that access is so important or why the problem you’re having is so frustrating. So I think a lot of what you can provide is those real-world stories,” Fernandes stressed.

Matt Brennan, a Navy veteran and professional staff member for the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Majority, agreed.

“I think one thing that is always helpful is walking them through how it not only impacts your members but how it impacts folks within the district as well,” Brennan said. “I think creating that nexus is always helpful.”  

Bennett advised that a lot of Congressional members have veteran councils back in their districts. “If they don’t, or you’re not a part of it, I definitely recommend encouraging them to start one or to invite you to one so you can continue to build that trust and relationship with them,” he said. “And I would say the personal stories are impactful. Even just saying, ‘I don’t know what the solution to this is, but this is a problem we’re having back home, and we need your help.’”

Visit 17�Թ���’s legislative web page for new resources that highlight the organization’s priorities for the 119th Congress, 2nd Session. These priorities include veteran suicide prevention and homelessness, improved care for women veterans, veteran entrepreneurship, balanced community care and more.