Elizabeth Dole Foundation backs veterans benefits bill

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation joined a 22-organization coalition urging Congress to pass the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, a bipartisan package aimed at expanding support for veterans, caregivers, survivors and their families. The push comes as the bill faces some concerns in the veteran community and heads to House and Senate veterans committees.

Why it matters: - The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act would affect financial security, health care access and support services for veterans, caregivers, survivors and their families. - The bill combines more than 60 bipartisan measures across those categories. - The legislation could ease long-standing costs carried by caregivers and families of catastrophically injured veterans.

What happened: - The Elizabeth Dole Foundation joined a coalition of 22 organizations urging Congress to pass the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. - The coalition includes the American Legion, Wounded Warrior Project, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and the Military Officers Association of America. - The groups sent a June 29 letter to the leaders of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs. - The foundation represents 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers.

The details: - The coalition acknowledged concerns raised by some in the veteran space, but asked lawmakers to keep advancing the bill. - The Elizabeth Dole Foundation said its review found the benefits for the broader veteran community outweighed those concerns. - Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, called the measure a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for veterans, caregivers and survivors. - Schwab said many surviving families have waited more than 30 years for a meaningful increase in support. - Schwab said many caregivers left jobs and sacrificed income and retirement savings to care for a loved one. - Schwab pointed to the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act as proof that large veterans packages can change lives.

Between the lines: - The foundation’s backing gives the bill support from a prominent caregivers-focused advocacy group. - The coalition is signaling that broader gains for veterans and families should outweigh internal disagreement over specific provisions. - The timing also frames the measure as part of a larger national reflection ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.

What’s next: - The foundation plans to work with leaders in both chambers to move the bill forward. - Congressional veterans committees are the next key venues for continued debate and advancement of the package. - The foundation said it will keep pushing priorities tied to caregiving families, survivor benefits and veteran support.

The bottom line: - The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is publicly lining up behind a wide-ranging veterans bill and urging Congress to act, despite some pushback in the field.