Republicans Request VA Review of VFW Advocacy on Veterans Bill

House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost and Representative Jack Bergman asked the Department of Veterans Affairs to review whether the Veterans of Foreign Wars' recent advocacy efforts comply with standards for organizations that help veterans file claims and obtain benefits, Newsweek reported.

The request centers on the VFW's campaign opposing portions of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, a package of more than 60 veterans-related measures. VFW social-media posts in the campaign feature illustrations showing veterans facing a firing squad of suited civilians.

Bost stated that the recent inflammatory, fear-mongering and dangerous political rhetoric from the Veterans of Foreign Wars is inappropriate and must end immediately. He added that as a congressionally chartered organization, the VFW has a responsibility to uphold the honorable prestige that has been granted to them by Congress.

The lawmakers' letter requests that the VA examine whether the VFW remains compliant with accreditation standards, whether its licensing arrangements involving the imagery are appropriate, and whether its conduct aligns with obligations associated with representing veterans before the department.

Congress has entrusted accredited veterans service organizations with a unique responsibility to represent veterans before the Department, the letter stated. Robert Couture, VFW’s director of public affairs and strategic outreach, stated that what’s dangerous is when veteran benefits are being aimed at by Congress and by anyone else.

It is dangerous to veterans who rely on those benefits often as a primary source of income.