Mission Roll Call’s CEO Jim Whaley was in Washington, D.C., on February 25 to testify before the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC). His testimony focused on several pressing issues affecting veterans, all rooted in the real concerns we hear from the veteran community daily. 

Mission Roll Call’s Strategic Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy, Mike Desmond, provided a video recap of the testimony and legislation. Watch it here. 

Watch the entire hearing here or watch Jim Whaley’s testimony below.

During this hearing, Jim addressed the following key issues: 

• Access to Healthcare – While the MISSION Act of 2018 improved some aspects of veteran healthcare, many veterans still struggle with excessive wait times and long travel distances. Mission Roll Call supports the Veterans ACCESS Act of 2025, which prioritizes: 
  • Enforcing reasonable time and distance standards for care. 
  • Clarifying wait-time rules to reduce unnecessary delays. 
  • Expanding veteran choice in healthcare access. 
  • Ensuring mental health services are prioritized. 
• Protecting Second Amendment Rights – Currently, over 270,000 veterans have been added to the FBI’s NICS database simply for using a fiduciary to manage their benefits. The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act ensures due process before a veteran’s constitutional rights can be restricted. 
• Holding the VA Accountable – The Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025 aims to enforce higher standards of service within the Department of Veterans Affairs, ensuring that veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve without bureaucratic roadblocks. 
• Safeguarding Educational Benefits – The Student Veteran Benefit Restoration Act of 2025 protects veterans from losing their educational benefits due to circumstances beyond their control, ensuring they can complete their education without unnecessary financial hardship. 

The Road Ahead 

At Mission Roll Call, we don’t just advocate—we take action. Through our polling and direct engagement with veterans and their families across the country, we bring their unfiltered perspectives straight to policymakers. Testifying in Washington, D.C. was a step forward in ensuring that veterans and their loved ones receive the respect, resources, and opportunities they deserve. 

But we can’t do it alone. Real change requires a collective effort. If you believe in this mission, join us at Mission Roll Call. We can challenge harmful stereotypes, push for impactful policy changes, and create a better future for veterans and their families. Your voice matters.

Watch Jim’s Testimony