Since the nation's founding, Americans have recognized that liberty comes at a cost. Each generation, men and women have volunteered to defend the country, preserve freedoms, and uphold the ideals that define America. In return, the nation has promised to honor their service through recognition, benefits, and a lasting commitment to their well-being. That covenant—between a grateful nation and those who bear the burden of its defense—reflects a core American value: the sacrifices made in service must never be forgotten.
Without America's veterans and service members, there is no America. Congress now has a chance to prove that understanding by passing the newly introduced Take Care of America's Veterans Act and sending it to the president's desk before the legislative window closes ahead of the midterms.
The legislation aims to fulfill Abraham Lincoln's promise to care for those "who have borne the battle," a commitment still binding today. At its heart, the bill finishes what the VA MISSION Act started. It would codify community care access standards, strengthen accountability around wait times and referrals, improve transparency for veterans navigating care options, and modernize the system with tools like self-scheduling and better tracking of referrals and appeals.
Additionally, the bill would expand access to mental health care, elevate innovation in care delivery, and create a stronger policy feedback loop to help the VA serve veterans more effectively over time. The Biden administration found ways to manipulate community care access standards, so more specific legislation is necessary. The Veterans' ACCESS Act, included in this package, writes access standards into law, eliminating gray areas for VA bureaucrats or administrations to exploit. Among other things, it expands timely mental health care access, removing lengthy referral hurdles for those struggling.
There should be nothing controversial about making it easier for veterans to get care, holding the VA accountable, and keeping promises already made. Too often, veterans hear strong rhetoric on the campaign trail only to see meaningful reforms stall when action is required. This bill is a chance to change that. The Take Care of America's Veterans Act represents holistic reforms to ensure veterans get the care they need, know their options, and have a VA focused solely on providing the best possible care.
Many politicians say they want to help veterans. They visit veteran halls and organizations on the campaign trail, include heartfelt lines in stump speeches, or stand with veterans on stage. None of that is inherently wrong—as long as it's followed by action. This is the moment to follow through and make good on the nation's promise to care for those who served. Those are the actions voters remember at the ballot box come November.
Will Congress and this administration follow through and honor veterans' service? Or will they leave this promise unfulfilled and defer responsibility to a future Congress? The men and women who served kept their word. Congress should do the same. The time to deliver is now.
Kelly Merkel, director of federal government affairs at Americans for Prosperity, daughter of a Vietnam veteran, former civilian in the Office of the Commandant, USMC, and wife to a Marine Corps veteran, emphasizes the urgency. As discussions continue, lawmakers must also consider broader challenges, such as the ongoing crisis in emergency care highlighted in our report on three steps to save America's hospital safety net. Meanwhile, a recent study showing COVID-19 vaccination linked to lower heart attack and stroke risk in veterans underscores the need for modernized VA care. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, polls indicate over a third of Americans doubt the US will survive another 250 years, making this legislation a tangible step to reaffirm national commitments.
