February 15, 2022
The Honorable Mark Takano
Chairman
House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
The Honorable Jon Tester
Chairman
Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs
The Honorable Mike Bost
Ranking Member
House Veterans Affairs Committee
The Honorable Jerry Moran
Ranking Member
Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs
Dear Chairmen Takano and Tester, and Ranking Members Bost and Moran:
In 2021, Frontiers of Freedom launched the Veterans Choice Initiative, a grassroots effort committed to supporting disabled veterans by protecting their right to choose how to best navigate the bureaucracy of the Veterans Administration and secure the disability benefits they rightly deserve.
Providing access to high quality disability benefits support is one of our most important obligations to the brave men and women who have served this country. Unfortunately, the current government-run and volunteer system is both confusing and under-resourced, leaving veterans at a disadvantage when seeking the benefits, they are ethically, medically, and legally entitled to.
As you look to set the Committee’s priorities for the New Year, we ask that you not repeat the mistakes of the past.
In 2021, Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act (S. 2141) was introduced in the Senate which in effect criminalized “unaccredited actors,” that wish to help veterans with their claims. This includes private consultants that provide necessary and life-changing assistance to millions of veterans around the country.
These proposed changes will limit a veterans’ choice and leave the initiation phase of the claims solely on the backs of VSOs or veterans themselves. While VSOs are filled with well-meaning and sometimes qualified individuals and volunteers, most of the organizations do not have the manpower or expertise to handle the massive inflow that is expected over the next few years.
This latest attempt built upon a 2019 bill that aimed to amend title 38 of the United States Code, to provide criminal penalties for individuals acting as agents or attorneys for the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a claim. Thankfully, the initial bill was rightfully defeated.
Our veterans have earned the right to choose their consultation and representation, regardless of Accreditation status, as they navigate a confusing system.
As you consider reforms to the veterans’ benefits system in 2022, we ask that any legislation around this issue in Congress will ensure a veteran’s right to choose is not jeopardized.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
George Landrith, President
Frontiers of Freedom
Richard Manning, President
Americans for Limited Government
Charles Sauer, Founder & President
Market Institute
David Williams, President
Taxpayers Protection Alliance
Seton Motley, Founder & President
Less Government
James L. Martin, Founder/Chairman
60 Plus Association
Andrew Langer, President
Institute for Liberty
Chuck Muth, President
Citizen Outreach
Saulius “Saul” Anuzis, President
60 Plus Association
David Wallace, Founder
Restore America’s Mission
Judson Phillips, Founder
Tea Party Nation
Ryan Ellis, President
Center for a Free Economy
Governor Mike Huckabee
Former Governor of Arkansas
C. Preston Noell III, President
Tradition, Family, Property, Inc.
Gerard Scimeca, Chairman
Consumer Action for a Strong Economy
Nicholas Willis, President
Americans for Liberty & Security
Susan Taylor, President
Strengthening America for All
John Cooper, President
Defending America Foundation
Scott Vanandler, President
The Last Best Hope on Earth Institute
Mark Thomas, Founder
Freedom & Prosperity Caucus
U.S. Senator Larry E Craig (retired)
United States Senate Retired
Paul Caprio, Director
Patriotic Veterans
Steve Moore, Co-Founder
Committee to Unleash Prosperity
Horace Cooper, Director
Project 21
Phil Kerpen, President
American Commitment
James Taylor, President
Heartland Institute
Morton Blackwell, President
The Leadership Institute
The Honorable George K Rasley Jr
Managing Editor, ConservativeHQ.com
Elaine Donnelly, President
Center for Military Readiness
Karen Kerrigan, President & CEO
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
Martha Boneta, President
Vote America First
Becky Norton Dunlop, Director
Reagan Alumni Association
Bob Carlstrom, President
AMAC Action
Ed Martin, President
Phyllis Schlafly Eagles
Mario H. Lopez, President
Hispanic Leadership Fund
Bob McEwen
U.S. House Committee on Veteran’s Affairs
Former Member, Ohio
Dee Stewart, President
Americans for a Balanced Budget