The Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 is a major piece of legislation likely to be signed into law this year. Read the IVMF’s statement below:

Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) is encouraged by the passage of House Resolution 7105: Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020.

Several measures advanced in the bill will promote effective methods to ensure comprehensive support to transitioning service members and continue to bear out in the IVMF’s training programs and research. The IVMF’s Onward to Opportunity program, the largest career skills training program in the country, has proven a successful model in providing veterans with training and credentials that help them not only get a job, but build their career. Subtitle C Section 4304, which creates grants for organizations to support the transition of veterans in a variety of ways, is a much-needed provision.

Situated on a higher education campus, we deeply appreciate the spirit of Sections 4305 and 4306, which center a need for more learning and research about the effectiveness of TAP. Further, this bill contains many important protections for student veterans. At Syracuse University, we are committed to being the best University for student veterans. We are happy to see our government value and protect their contributions nationally, as we do here on our campus.

Finally, through our research and programs, the IVMF is dedicated to understanding and supporting the unique needs of America’s women veterans. Our research shows they face a starkly different reality from male veterans when it comes to their health, employment, and social support. The provisions in the Deborah Sampson Act section of this legislation are necessary first steps towards supporting equity for women veterans.

As we look to the future, we must be prepared to fight the collateral effects of COVID-19 long after the disease has been eradicated. Government must work collectively with the social sector, higher education, and companies to do everything we can to support successful transitions for our military veterans.

We look forward to the bill’s implementation and are ready to assist agency partners preparing to do this work in 2021.