About
Congress may have delayed action on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, but the conversation surrounding the legislation is far from over. Rob and Brittany are joined by Kristina Keenan, Mike Figlioli and Gabby Kubinyi to break down the latest developments, explain why the VFW remains opposed to paying for expanded veterans legislation by reducing future disability compensation, and discuss what advocates are hearing during meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
The discussion examines how the proposed changes could affect future veterans seeking disability compensation for conditions like tinnitus and sleep apnea, why Congress legislating disability ratings would be unprecedented, and how the version of the Major Richard Star Act included in the package differs from the standalone legislation the VFW continues to support.
The conversation also explores the history behind the VFW's decades-old political cartoon that has recently resurfaced in public debate, emphasizing the organization's longstanding tradition of advocacy on behalf of veterans. Rob and Brittany also highlight the success of the VFW's grassroots Action Alert campaign, discuss preparations for the 2026 VFW National Convention in Reno, and introduce new training opportunities designed to help members become even more effective advocates.
Hosts
Rob Couture – Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach
Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach
Featured Guests
Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service
Mike Figlioli – Chief of Staff, VFW Washington Office
Gabby Kubinyi – Deputy Director, VFW National Legislative Service
Episode Highlights
0:00 Intro and Roll Call
4:58 Update on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act
7:04 Why grassroots advocacy on Capitol Hill matters
13:03 Survivor benefits and the Love Lives On Act
17:37 How proposed disability rating changes could affect future veterans
21:19 Why Congress changing VA disability ratings is unprecedented
31:22 The Major Richard Star Act explained
40:27 The history behind the VFW's political cartoon
55:28 Action Alert surpasses 50,000 messages to Congress
59:25 Preview of the 2026 VFW National Convention
1:14:01 New advocacy training for VFW members
1:16:42 Good of the Order
Links & Resources Mentioned
VFW Action Alert – Tell Congress to Oppose Veterans' Benefit Cuts
https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/6/vfw-action-alert-tell-congress-to-oppose-veterans-benefit-cuts
Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102)
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2102
Ask the VFW
https://www.vfw.org/ask-the-vfw
127th VFW National Convention (Reno, Nevada)
https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/7/127th-vfw-national-convention
VFW National Legislative Service
https://www.vfw.org/advocacy
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)
https://www.dpaa.mil/