The American Legion Government Affairs Office Update

WASHINGTON, D.C. OFFICE

The Government Affairs Office experienced an exceptionally busy and successful year in 2025. Beginning with the establishment of a relevant, disciplined, and achievable legislative agenda, The American Legion entered the 119th Congress fully prepared to respond to actions pursued by both the Administration and Congress, involving our advocacy on behalf of veterans, servicemembers, and their families. Early in the year, Government Affairs staff supported and helped host The American Legion’s Inaugural Ball—an event that proved highly successful and was attended by then–Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth, along with a broad range of senior government officials and distinguished guests- setting the tone for a year of increased access, credibility, and engagement.

Throughout 2025, the American Legion’s legislative advocacy and influence expanded significantly. The Government Affairs Office increased its congressional testimony and hearing participation from five engagements in 2024 to twenty-two hearings in 2025, representing a 340 percent increase in formal legislative advocacy. During the August 2025 National Convention in Tampa, while the President was unable to attend, he designated senior Administration officials to represent him, including the Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, both of whom delivered keynote remarks- underscoring the Legion’s standing and relevance at the highest levels of government.

The year was also marked by sustained operational leadership during periods of national disruption. The Washington, D.C. office worked relentlessly to help end a record-breaking federal government shutdown that lasted 43 days and directly affected military quality of life, veterans’ services, and benefits processing. Legion staff participated in press conferences and engaged directly with congressional leadership across party lines, advocating for compromise and continuity of government operations until the stalemate was resolved.

In parallel, and by direct invitation from the White House, D.C. staff and National Legion leadership supported and participated in numerous America’s 250th commemoration events, including the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps 250th birthday celebrations. The year concluded with sustained and substantive engagement with the White House, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense (Department of War), and other federal entities, at a level not seen in many years, further strengthening The American Legion’s credibility, access, and influence across the federal government.

INDIVIDUAL DIVISION IMPACTS – DECEMBER 2025

VETERANS AFFAIRS AND REHABILITATION DIVISION

• Submitted three Statements for the Record to Congress.
• Supported the National Commander’s Oval Office visit involving cannabis research.
• Participated in a roundtable with Representatives from Puerto Rico on veteran healthcare.
• Engaged in a House Veterans’ Affairs Committee roundtable on data privacy and artificial intelligence in veteran healthcare.

VETERANS EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION DIVISION

• Participated in legislative activities and submitted two Statements for the Record.
• Supported the Critical Minerals and National Security Summit through logistical support and staffing an information booth in cooperation with the National Security Institute.
• Continued implementation of the VE&E Commission and Division Audit and assessment which was held earlier in 2025.

NATIONAL SECURITY DIVISION

The National Security Division advanced legislative, policy, and program priorities focused on defense readiness, servicemember welfare, and global security engagement. Division leadership accompanied the National Commander on the 2025 Pacific Trip, supporting strategic engagements in Taiwan, Japan, Guam, and Hawaii.

The Division co-sponsored the Critical Minerals and National Security Summit with the National Security Institute and PRISM, submitted a Statement for the Record to the House Committee on Homeland Security, conducted disaster preparedness panels, and coordinated BASE visits and ceremonial support activities.

ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE DIVISION / DC OFFICE ACTIONS ROLL-UP

During the 119th Congress (1st Session), the Government Affairs Office:

• Reviewed 369 Congressional bills
• Delivered 22 congressional testimonies (5 in-person and 17 Statements For the Record)
• Issued 39 letters or quotes of support
• Supported passage of five bills signed into law, including the FY26 NDAA, Medal of Honor Act, Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025, ACES Act of 2025, VA Home Loan Program Reform Act
• Successfully advocated for the repeal of the 1990 (Gulf War) and 2002 (Iraq war) Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) after years of Legion advocacy.
• Generated over 99,000 grassroots actions nationwide through VoterVoice.

CONCLUSION

The Government Affairs Office concludes 2025 positioned stronger, more credible, and more influential than at any point in recent years. Across all four divisions, staff delivered measurable results, expanded institutional access, and significantly increased The American Legion’s advocacy footprint on Capitol Hill and within the Executive Branch.

Notably, 2025 marked a historic moment for The American Legion and the broader veteran community. For the first time in decades, a National Commander, National Commander Dan Wiley, issued a formal public statement on the reclassification of cannabis for research purposes only. This statement was presented while standing with the President of the United States in the Oval Office, at the request of President Trump. The American Legion was the only veterans service organization invited to speak at this press conference. This moment underscored The American Legion’s credibility, relevance, and willingness to engage thoughtfully and responsibly on complex policy issues affecting veterans’ health and well-being.

As the organization transitions into the next legislative year, the Washington, D.C. office remains fully engaged, mission-focused, and prepared to build upon the substantial progress achieved throughout 2025.