WEEKLY GRASSROOTS NEWSLETTER (6/5/2026)
William D Kelly
WEEKLY GRASSROOTS NEWSLETTER
This week, we pause to remember those who served during World War II. On June 6, 1944, thousands of Allied service members stormed the beaches of Normandy knowing the immense risks before them. Their courage and sacrifice helped change the course of World War II. Take a moment this week to honor and remember their legacy.
STAY INFORMED: LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES NOW AVAILABLE
Want to see the issues Legionnaires are discussing with lawmakers? The 119th Congress, 2nd Session Legislative Priorities materials are available now.
View and download them on the Legion website here.
CALL TO ACTION
Last month, six pieces of veteran-related legislation passed out of the House. Today, we are highlighting one of those bills:
H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act
Introduced by Tom Barrett, this legislation modernizes the community care scheduling process by formalizing the implementation of External Provider Scheduling (EPS), a program that allows VA employees to directly schedule appointments with participating community providers. Early adoption of EPS at participating VA facilities has been overwhelmingly positive. This legislation seeks to expand the adoption of EPS to improve coordination between VA and community partners, reduce administrative burdens, and help veterans access care more quickly. To learn more about this legislation, click here.
We need you to help to get this bill across the finish line. Act now and urge your Senators to support this proposal.
The American Legion appreciates your advocacy efforts. Visit the Action Center to quickly email a letter of support to your members of Congress. Remember to report any recent meetings or calls to help highlight the impact of Legion advocacy here.
IN THE NEWS
MILITARY PAY RAISES, CHANGES TO HOUSING ALLOWANCE INCLUDED IN HOUSE-PASSED $1.15 TRILLION DEFENSE BUDGET
This article’s original publication can be found here
The House Armed Services Committee advanced a defense policy bill Friday that would authorize the largest defense budget in history — $1.15 trillion — and gives military service members a 5% to 7% pay raise, depending on their rank.
In a marathon markup session that lasted from Thursday morning until 12:00 a.m. Friday, committee members debated and passed nearly 600 amendments and the bill language of the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act.
The committee approved the proposed legislation in a 44-12 vote. It now proceeds to the House floor, where it is expected to be considered in mid-July.
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., said the proposal would revitalize the defense industrial base, invest in jobs and military personnel and “reverse the damage caused by decades of underinvestment in the U.S. military.”
Ranking member Rep Adam Smith, D-Wash., called it a “good solid bill” that supports the troops by investing in pay and benefits, continuing defense acquisition reform initiatives and supporting allies.
But, Smith said, the sheer size of the cost should cause pause.
“[The base amount] is a 30% increase over what the committee did last year — that is a lot of money at a time when we have a $40 trillion debt,” Smith said.
TARGET PAY RAISES, BOOST TO BAH
The proposal includes a significant boost in troop pay beginning Jan. 1, 2027, especially for junior enlisted personnel. Under the proposed legislation, service members E-5 and below would receive a 7% pay raise, while those E-6 to O-3 would get a 6% pay raise. Members O-4 and above would see their paychecks rise by 5%.
The pay plan is higher than the 3.8% increase service members received in fiscal 2026 but less than half the 14.5% increase they received in 2025.
The proposal also increases the size of the active duty force by 40,100, including: 15,000 for the Army; 12,000 for the Navy; 8,900 for the Air Force; 1,400 for the Marine Corps; and 2,800 for the Space Force.
With the increases, the active duty force will total 1,342,900 members.
Regarding benefits, the bill would remove a service member’s Basic Housing Allowance from calculations for consideration for the Basic Needs Allowance, a benefit available to low income military families whose income levels could qualify them for food stamps.
The provision, which would base a service member’s income and qualifications for the allowance on base pay and allowances while omitting the significant stipend provided to cover housing, was included in the House version of the fiscal 2026 defense policy bill but dropped from the final legislation.
According to a 2023 department survey, roughly a quarter of military families were considered “food insecure,” meaning they had difficulties buying enough food for themselves and their families.
HEALTH AND CHILD CARE CHANGES
The House proposal contains several other provisions to improve the well-being of service members and their families.
It would allow active duty personnel and reserve members on active duty to take bereavement leave in the loss of a pregnancy or stillbirth.
It would place limits on the Defense Department’s plans to restructure military health facilities, and it would require the Government Accountability Office to conduct an audit of Tricare’s pharmacy benefits.
The bill would require the department to implement an initiative to improve procedures for processing complaints against Tricare, the Defense Department’s health program, by developing a system for filing complaints not handled sufficiently by the standard complaint process.
And it proposes to allow military health beneficiaries to access physical therapy without a referral. It would expand child care options for military families by including au pairs as eligible in-child care providers under the DoD’s Child Care in Your Home Fee Assistance Pilot Program.
HOUSE VOTES FOR FIRST TIME TO HALT IRAN WAR
This article’s original publication can be found here
IT WAS THE FOURTH TIME THE CHAMBER VOTED ON A RESOLUTION DIRECTING PRESIDENT TRUMP TO SEEK CONGRESSIONAL AUTHORIZATION FOR MILITARY OPERATIONS AND THE FIRST TIME IT SUCCEEDED.
The House adopted a resolution Wednesday directing President Donald Trump to seek congressional authorization before continuing military operations in Iran as more Republicans came out in opposition to the conflict.
It was the fourth time the chamber voted on a resolution to end the three-month war and the first time it succeeded, in a 215-208 vote.
The measure was on track to be adopted last month, after a similar measure passed in the Senate, until Republican leaders abruptly pulled the vote from the floor over concerns that the resolution would pass and deliver a rebuke to Trump.
Four Republicans — Tom Barrett of Michigan, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Warren Davidson of Ohio and Thomas Massie of Kentucky — joined every Democrat in supporting the measure on Wednesday.
Democrat Jared Golden of Maine, who previously opposed such measures, switched positions to vote for it.
The vote came hours after Secretary of State Marco Rubio doubled down on the administration’s claims that the war had concluded and the U.S. was now conducting “completely defensive” strikes against Iran.
“It’s a fact: we’re no longer conducting sustained strikes inside of Iran to degrade their military because Epic Fury is over,” he said in testimony to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
He called the operation, which began on Feb. 28, “hostilities” instead of a war and said the U.S. had achieved its military objectives. Bouts of fighting have continued, however, despite a ceasefire that took effect in April.
Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones at American bases in Kuwait and Bahrain earlier this week after the U.S. struck an oil tanker that it said was attempting to breach an American naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., cited the exchange of fire as she pressed Rubio on Wednesday on whether Operation Epic Fury had truly ended.
“The American people are not stupid, Mr. Secretary. We all know that this war is not over,” she said. “It’s now day 97 of the war that the president said he wanted to end quickly.”
Democrats and some Republicans have rejected claims by the Trump administration that hostilities had stopped with the ceasefire and there was therefore no need to abide by provisions of the 1973 War Powers Resolution.
The law requires a president to terminate the use of forces within 60 days, with a potential 30-day extension for the safe withdrawal of troops, unless Congress explicitly authorizes the military action or declares war. Presidents from both parties have deemed the law’s constraints as unconstitutional.
Rubio said last month that the Trump administration is only complying with elements of the law to maintain good relations with Congress. He told lawmakers Wednesday that the repeated introduction of war powers resolutions has likely hurt negotiations by raising hope among Iranians that Congress could remove Trump’s authority over the military.
“If you see how it’s reported on Iranian state television and things of that nature, it makes them think that somehow our hands are going to be tied and we won’t be able to do anything to them,” he said. “So, why make a deal?”
Republicans have made that same argument. Rep. Randy Fine of Florida said last month that the measures were emboldening Iran by sending the wrong message about American resolve.
“Every one of these debates, every one of these votes, gives them hope that maybe America will choose to stand with them,” Fine said. “These resolutions extend the conflict, they do not hasten it.”
But Democrats have seized on flagging efforts to make a deal to end the conflict as well as the war’s ongoing cost and impact on energy prices to make the case that Congress needs to have a say.
“Congress cannot abandon its constitutional responsibility over matters of war and peace,” Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the foreign relations panel, said last month. “We should not be reducing ourselves to be a rubber stamp.”
The Senate is expected to take the next procedural vote on the war powers resolution it advanced last month in the near future.
NEW LAW COULD INCREASE COMPENSATION FOR GOLD STAR FAMILIES IF IT MAKES IT THROUGH SENATE
This article’s original publication can be found here
LEGISLATION WOULD INCREASE BENEFITS FOR SOME DISABLED VETERANS, STREAMLINE THE ABILITY TO MAKE HEALTHCARE APPOINTMENTS, EXPAND FISHER HOUSE ELIGIBILITY AND MORE.
The House passed six veteran-friendly bills, including five that The American Legion supported via testimony, during the week of May 18. A summary of the bills endorsed by the Legion and previous statements:
• H.R. 6047 the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, which would increase the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) monthly compensation benefit for service-connected, catastrophically disabled veterans and the surviving families of 100% disabled or deceased veterans. “This legislation works to uplift our most vulnerable veterans and provide an overdue increase in Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for survivors, aptly in time for Memorial Day,” the Legion wrote.
• H.R. 1041 Veterans 2nd Amendment Restoration Act. This bill prevents VA from automatically reporting veterans to the FBI’s NICS background check system solely because they require a fiduciary to manage their benefits. Instead, it directs VA to notify the DOJ that past transmittals were improper. “It is a moral injustice for veterans to lose their 2nd Amendment rights because a judge deemed a financial fiduciary was warranted. There is no connection between the ability to manage one's finances and violent ideations. The American Legion believes that this reporting mechanism violates due process and opposes any legislation that infringes on constitutional rights. We support the rights of veterans who are under a fiduciary, especially when the rights are enshrined in the U.S. Constitution,” Legislative Director Cole Lyle testified during before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in 2025.
• H.R. 3482 Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act. The bill mandates VA implement an electronic scheduling process to streamline healthcare appointments for veterans. “The American Legion strongly supports H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, as a vital step toward ensuring timely access to quality healthcare for our nation’s veterans,” Lyle testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations in 2025.
• H.R. 3726 Fisher House Availability Act of 2025, which expands eligibility for no-cost temporary lodging at Fisher Houses to include active-duty servicemembers and their families. “This bill codifies this directive into law and will help to ensure the Fisher House programs are allowed to help veterans, servicemembers and their families as originally intended. The American Legion supports this legislation through Resolution No. 18: Comprehensive Supports for Caregivers Support Program,” Lyle testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health in 2025.
• H.R. 2954 Veterans’ Transition to Trucking Act of 2025. This legislation authorizes the VA Secretary to serve as the single approving authority for multi-state trucking apprenticeship programs, eliminating the need for separate approvals from multiple states. “As an active partner in Task Force Movement, a presidential initiative launched in 2022, The American Legion has supported efforts to clear pathways for veterans to enter the trucking workforce and help stabilize the nation's logistical infrastructure and supply chain. Streamlining this process will reduce administrative burdens, expand opportunities for veterans, and strengthen the U.S. labor force and transportation industry,” policy analyst Andrew Petrie testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity in 2025.
NEW REPORT LAYS OUT WHAT A ‘US CYBER FORCE’ COULD LOOK LIKE
This article’s original publication can be found here
EXPERTS WITH TWO MILITARY THINK TANKS ARGUE THAT A FORCE OF OFFICERS AND WARRANT OFFICERS IS BETTER SUITED TO RETAIN THE TALENT NEEDED FOR DIGITAL CONFLICT.
A new report argues that an independent Cyber Force should be staffed by only commissioned officers and warrant officers to better develop the highly technical skillsets that digital conflict demands.
Published Wednesday by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, two Washington, D.C. think tanks, the report proposes a blueprint for standing up a Cyber Force, should Congress decide to do so.
Policymakers in the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill have debated for years whether the U.S. military needs an independent Cyber Force. Opponents say it would lead to unnecessary bureaucracy and confusion, but some current and former cyber troops say readiness suffers without a service that prioritizes recruiting, training, and equipping cyber troops above all others.
Why it would be different from the Space Force
Rather than re-litigate the case for a Cyber Force, the goal of the new report is to avoid what happened to the Space Force when it launched in 2019.
“They were told to break ground on construction without having hired an architect or sketched a blueprint,” Joshua Stiefel, a former House Armed Services Committee staffer who co-led the new report, told Task & Purpose in an interview.
Some of the report’s recommendations and highlights include:
A new Cyber Force could either form its own military department or stand up as an independent service under the Department of the Army, similar to how the Space Force exists under the Department of the Air Force. The report said standing up a Cyber Force under the Army would be cheaper and faster than launching a new department;
The force would need about 30,000 people (20,000 active-duty troops, 3,500 to 5,000 National Guardsmen, and 6,000 civilians and contractors);
The Cyber Force’s first operating force could be ready within 12 to 15 months;
No reserve Cyber Force, just a National Guard component that can answer to state and federal authorities;
New hybrid units such as cyber combined arms squadrons, which bring the developers of cyber technology closer to the operators who use it;
Heavy emphasis on promoting cyber troops based on contribution to the mission rather than on “generic administrative performance”;
Flexible career paths so cyber troops can stay behind the keyboard, rather than have to shift to management or command roles;
Industry exchange tours to expose cyber troops to private sector skills;
A dedicated intelligence center and judge advocate generals to navigate the grey zone of digital conflict.
How it would happen and how much it would cost
The report’s authors estimated that it could cost between $10 and 11 billion to stand up the force; however, they argued that a lot of that already goes toward existing cyber abilities spread across the other services.
The Pentagon wants to spend around $7.7 billion for cyberspace operations in its fiscal year 2027 budget, the report said, and the military already spends about $2.8 billion on cyber personnel costs across the services.
“So this is really not new money we’re talking about. This is actually money that exists in the budget today. It’s just fragmented across four services,” Stiefel said. “By unifying that, by consolidating and in centralizing it, our proposition is you’re going to get a lot better return on your investment.”
Not all cyber troops in the other services would make the jump to the new Cyber Force. Each service would remain in charge of building, maintaining and securing its own information technology systems, which together make up the Department of Defense Information Network.
Meanwhile, the Cyber Force would focus on offensive and defensive cyber operations, such as disabling enemy weapon systems and “hunting forward,” where allies invite U.S. cyber troops to hunt for adversaries inside their networks.
The report authors likened it to aviation: while each branch uses aircraft, only the Air Force has the know-how and tools to conduct a long-range strike like Operation Midnight Hammer.
But why officers?
The report said the technical nature of cyber warfare, and the fact that many enlisted cyber operators already act as both leaders and technical experts, justifies an officer-only Cyber Force. While the report did not specifically call for a Cyber Force to pull in enlisted cyber troops from the other services and then promote them to warrant officers or commission them as officers, it seemed to indicate that would be appropriate.
“Considering a legacy pay scale, the commissioners could not articulate valuable reasons to preserve enlisted rank structure when the same individuals could continue their service as warrant officers,” they wrote.
Cyber operators take about 10 years to become fully proficient — about the same time as a fighter pilot. Unlike those in the cyber field, military aviators are predominantly officers, though, as is the case with the Army, some helicopter pilots can be warrant officers.
“It’s not that we don’t value the enlisted cadre; in fact it’s the opposite,” Stiefel said on a media call. “We value the enlisted cadre so much that we believe if they can make it through the cyber pipeline, they have more than earned the credibility, the merit, to wear a warrant officer’s collar device.”
Next steps?
Currently, bipartisan and bicameral lawmakers on Capitol Hill support an independent Cyber Force, with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) proposing an amendment to start one in the 2027 defense funding bill. Whether that passes is unclear, but Stiefel thinks interest in a Cyber Force is growing.
“It feels like a conversation where the volume continues to rise,” he said.
DID YOU KNOW
ONE GOAL FOR THE 250TH CELEBRATION
This article’s original publication can be found here
NATIONAL COMMANDER DAN WILEY CALLS ON AMERICAN LEGION FAMILY MEMBERS TO FINISH THE USA 250 CHALLENGE STRONG AND HIT $150,000 IN DONATIONS FOR THE VCF.
Dear American Legion Family and Friends,
As I travel across our beloved nation, I am inspired by the amount of red, white and blue on display to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
American flags. Banners. Streamers.
These decorations represent democracy, freedom, patriotism and much more. They are also intertwined with the fabric of America.
As veterans, I hope you are as proud of this display of patriotism as I am. I also hope that you are engaged with The American Legion’s USA 250 Challenge, which ends on July 4.
You have probably seen me in my challenge T-shirt, knocking out mile after mile on hotel treadmills. Fitness activities are just one element of the challenge. Mental wellness and community service are the others.
Throughout the past 11 months, I have been impressed with American Legion Family members who are participating. We have seen posts tackle successful community service projects. We have seen Legionnaires improve their mental wellness. And we have seen American Legion Family members boost their fitness.
But we have one major goal left to conquer: Raise $150,000 through the challenge for the Veterans & Children Foundation.
The VCF changes lives and saves lives. It helps service officers ensure that disabled veterans are getting their benefit claims they have earned. It also provides grants to military families who need assistance due to financial issues outside of their control.
But the VCF can only change lives with funding from your donations or fundraising efforts.
We are getting close — we need about another $45,000 to the goal. I know that American Legion Family members can rally to execute this mission. After all, we are BETTER TOGETHER!
This is our mission, raising $150,000 for our disabled veterans and military families in need.
We are close but we need your help!
Please consider a tax-deductible donation of any amount to the USA 250 Challenge. Visit this link to donate and help a veteran or military family in their time of need.
Thank you, in advance, for your participation as we change lives and save lives through the VCF!
REGISTER FOR BE THE ONE TRAINING IN JUNE
This article’s original publication can be found here
THREE VIRTUAL TRAINING DATES WILL BE HELD FOR TEACHING OF THE COLUMBIA PROTOCOL TO SUPPORT THE AMERICAN LEGION’S VETERAN SUICIDE PREVENTION MISSION.
The American Legion is committed to reducing veteran suicide through its Be the One initiative by empowering individuals to end the stigma surrounding mental health to save lives. To support this effort, The American Legion and Columbia University Lighthouse Project provide free suicide prevention training by using the Columbia Protocol, the leading evidence-based tool for suicide risk screening.
The Columbia Protocol is a 90-minute session on Zoom that provides a simple, clear framework to identify suicidal thoughts and behaviors, enabling anyone to confidently ask the right questions and take action.
Three suicide prevention trainings will be held this month:
- Thursday, June 4, 12-1:30 p.m. ET REGISTER
- Wednesday, June 10, 5:30-7 p.m. ET REGISTER
- Thursday, June 25, 2:30-4 p.m. ET REGISTER
For future trainings visit the Be the One training page.
SOLACE HEALTH, AMERICAN LEGION ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP TO HELP VETERANS NAVIGATE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
This article’s original publication can be found here
AMERICAN LEGION MEMBERS CAN NOW BE PAIRED WITH A DEDICATED SOLACE HEALTHCARE ADVOCATE, COVERED BY INSURANCE, WHOSE ONLY JOB IS TO MAKE SURE PATIENTS GET THE CARE THEY'VE EARNED.
Solace Health and The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans service organization, are proud to announce a new partnership. The collaboration unites two organizations with a shared conviction: Veterans have earned the best possible healthcare and deserve expert help to get it.
Together, Solace Health and The American Legion are taking on one of the most persistent challenges in veterans' healthcare. While the VA provides vital, high-quality care, many veterans receive some or all of their healthcare through private health systems covered by Medicare or commercial insurance. These veterans often need help understanding their health insurance benefits and keeping their care coordinated across systems. Through this partnership, veterans can be matched with a dedicated healthcare advocate — registered nurses and other healthcare professionals with an average of 16 years of experience — who helps them get the care they deserve.
"Veterans have earned the best healthcare possible for their service to our nation," said Paul Evenson, American Legion Marketing Commission Chairman. "The VA provides high-quality care for millions of veterans. But today, many veterans also receive care from private providers, Medicare, and specialty systems, and navigating that complexity is a burden no veteran should carry alone. Through this partnership with Solace Health, veterans have access to experienced advocates who help them navigate their healthcare and get every benefit they’ve earned."
Solace Health pairs veterans with dedicated healthcare advocates who handle the complex, time-consuming work that too often falls on patients themselves. Advocates explain benefits, find the right doctors and specialists, and schedule appointments. They coordinate records and communication across VA, Medicare, and private insurance, and make sure VA and civilian providers stay aligned on treatment. They take on the administrative work so veterans can focus on their health instead of the healthcare system.
"Veterans should have someone in their corner who stops at nothing to get them the best care," said Jeremy Gurewitz, CEO and co-founder of Solace Health. "Healthcare is complicated for everyone, but veterans face an added burden. While they have access to excellent care through the VA, there’s often very little connective tissue between the different people and providers who take care of them. We’re proud to partner with The American Legion to make sure the gaps between systems don’t become gaps in care."
American Legion members can learn more and check their eligibility at solace.health/american-legion.
About Solace Health
Solace Health is the leading healthcare advocacy platform that connects patients with dedicated, trained healthcare advocates who navigate the healthcare system on their behalf, improving outcomes and time-to-care. Founded in 2022 by Jeremy Gurewitz and Sara Sargent after their own experiences with a fragmented healthcare system, Solace empowers patients to take control of their care journeys. Solace advocates—healthcare experts with 16 years’ experience on average—coordinate with providers, guide patients through complex care decisions, and ensure continuity of care, helping patients and families overcome the barriers that stand in the way of better healthcare. We’re honored to support American Legion members. Learn more at solace.health/american-legion.
About The American Legion
Founded in 1919, The American Legion is the nation's largest veterans service organization, with more than 1.4 million members across more than 11,500 posts nationwide. Built on four pillars — veterans affairs and rehabilitation, national security, Americanism, and youth programs — The American Legion has spent more than a century advocating for veterans, supporting military families, and strengthening communities across the country. Learn more at legion.org.
Legionnaire of the Week
To recognize the weekly accomplishments of our Legionnaires, we spotlight an individual every week. These individuals demonstrate exceptional grassroots activism by meeting with/contacting their Congressional Representative/Senator to advocate for veterans. Efforts like these truly make a difference and give veterans a voice in Congress.
Michael Surrett, Department of Oregon
Michael, thank you for your steadfast advocacy of Legion priorities; we are honored to name you Legionnaire of the Week!
Michael recently met with Rep. Maxine Dexter and Jeff Hudson during a roundtable discussion alongside other veteran service organizations. The conversation focused on veteran homelessness, mental health, and suicide prevention, with Congresswoman Dexter showing strong engagement and receptiveness to the concerns raised.
Thank you, Michael, for your report and for the dedication you bring to advancing the American Legion's legislative priorities!
If you have made a Grassroots effort and would like to be considered for next week’s “Legionnaire of the Week,” please fill out the Congressional Contact Report Form here. You can also email us at grass...@legion.org with the details.
TOP STATES FOR GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY FOR THIS WEEK:
Tennessee
275
Kansas
271
Wisconsin
160
New York
86
