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TREA "The Enlisted Association" Washington Update

• • 2020 Legislative Priorities

TREA "The Enlisted Association" Washington Update

2020 Legislative Priorities

TREA's Priorities for 2020

The Washington Office continues to be TREA's eyes and ears on Capitol Hill, at VA and DOD. Legislative priorities are listed below. 

• Suicide Prevention and Mental Health: Including S. 785 Commander Hannon Bill; TREA also supports and works with the PREVENTS Task Force and actively began supporting HR 4305, the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act.
• EHRM Contract with Cerner: Hold VA accountable for the rollout planned in March in the Pacific North West, assure VA and DOD have interoperability so that VA and DOD records can be shared and clinicians can access records. Ensure the Interagency Program Office is properly staffed.
• MISSION Act, Community Care Network, Urgent Care & Caregivers Expansion:  TREA supports but has heard from veterans that care is not always available by a local provider. Urgent Care in many rural locations do not have an in-network provider. Caregivers waiting on VA to publish regulations for expansion to pre 9/11 veterans.
• Navy Blue Water Implementation: TREA is pleased VBA received funds in the 2020 appropriations bill to assist. VBA must follow through and make decisions as promised on Jan. 1, 2020. TREA also supports adding the 4 presumptive conditions from Agent Orange exposure.
• Appeals Modernization Act: TREA is tracking whether or not the VA is meeting its new targets for processing appeals. VA notes they are, but they need to be held accountable.
• GI Bill: Hold VA accountable on processing Forever GI Bill benefits and be sure BAH issues are not repeated.
• Toxic Exposure: Health Care eligibility and service-connected claims for those exposed to toxic chemicals and agents. TREA is a proud member of The Toxic Exposures in the American Military Coalition (TEAM) and has been actively working on legislation.
• Improve Services & Benefits to Women Veterans: TREA fully supports HR 3224, the Deborah Sampson Act, and was pleased to see its passage in the House.

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