WASHINGTON, D.C. — Veterans and their families aren’t just asking for change, they’re helping drive it. Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) brought dozens of veterans from across the country to Capitol Hill for their annual Vets on the Hill event, where they’re sharing personal stories, advocating for better policies, and ensuring lawmakers hear directly from those who’ve worn the uniform.
Unlike traditional lobbying efforts, this event carries a distinct authenticity. Many of the CVA staff and volunteers are veterans themselves or come from military families. They’ve lived the challenges that come with transitioning to civilian life, from navigating a bureaucratic VA system to starting over in new careers.
For Alexa Rice, CVA’s Digital Engagement Director, the mission is personal. “When you see the struggles veterans face after coming home, you want to help, not just your loved one, but the whole community,” she said. “This is about giving a voice to people who often feel forgotten.”
At the top of the list for CVA’s legislative push this year are three priorities: preserving the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that benefit veteran-owned small businesses, expanding healthcare choice through the Veterans Access Act, and recalibrating U.S. military involvement abroad.
“Veterans are more likely to start small businesses than the average American,” said Jimmy Smith, CVA’s Brand Development Director and a former Army infantryman. “The 2017 tax cuts gave many of them the breathing room to invest in themselves. Rolling them back would be a huge setback.”
Healthcare was another focus. CVA is pushing for the Veterans Access Act, which would give veterans more flexibility to seek care outside the VA system. “It’s about choice,” said Rice. “Not every veteran lives near a VA facility, and many are forced to wait too long for care. They deserve options, just like anyone else.”
On foreign policy, CVA is advocating for a shift away from endless overseas deployments. Smith, drawing on his own service, emphasized the toll of prolonged military involvement. “We’ve spent trillions and lost thousands of lives in the Middle East. And many of us are asking: What was it all for?”
While the issues are complex, the message from CVA’s team is clear: America’s veterans aren’t just asking for support, they’re offering solutions.
