Our military veterans face a unique and alarming risk, as they are twice as likely to develop ALS compared to non-military individuals. Those diagnosed with ALS who have served at least 90 consecutive days on active duty are considered service-connected for ALS, but more needs to be done to support our veterans. This Veterans Day, we urge you to take action by contacting your Senators and asking them to co-sponsor and pass two crucial pieces of legislation: the Justice for ALS Veterans Act (H.R.3790 / S.1590) and the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act (H.R. 542 / S. 141).
The Justice for ALS Veterans Act aims to increase Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses and families of veterans who lost their lives to service-connected ALS, regardless of how long they lived with the disease. This legislation is a significant step toward recognizing and assisting these deserving families. On Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 12 p.m. ET, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee will hold a hearing on this important bill.
Additionally, the bipartisan Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act (H.R. 542 / S. 141) boasts support from 74 sponsors in the House and 27 in the Senate. This legislation is designed to enhance caregiver transition, develop assessment tools, create a digital hub for resources, improve mental health services, and promote collaboration between the VA, nonprofits, and Veteran Service Organizations.
Take action today by calling or visiting your Senators’ websites to send an email, urging them to co-sponsor and pass these vital pieces of legislation. Join ALS United Mid-Atlantic and show your support for our veterans this Veterans Day!
Pennsylvania
- Senator Bob Casey (202) 224-6324
- Contact link: https://www.casey.senate.gov/contact/offices
- Senator John Fetterman (202) 224-4254
- Contact link: https://www.fetterman.senate.gov/contact/
New Jersey:
- Senator Cory Booker (202) 224-3224
- Contact link: https://www.booker.senate.gov/contact
- Senator Bob Menendez (202) 224-4744
- Contact link: https://www.menendez.senate.gov/contact
Delaware:
- Senator Tom Carper (202) 224-2441
- Contact link: https://www.carper.senate.gov/contact/
- Senator Chris Coons (202) 224-5042
- Contact link: https://www.coons.senate.gov/contact