Prepared Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa

American Legion Conference in Des Moines

Friday, July 19, 2024

Two weeks ago, Americans from coast to coast celebrated our nation’s independence.

On that day, July 4th, communities watched as patriotic floats sponsored by local businesses and organizations paraded down Main Street.  

Maybe you were in your town’s parade, since veterans’ groups often participate in the festivities.

We have the privilege of carrying on these traditions – which, this year, honored 248 years of American independence – because of your service and sacrifice.  

You put your lives on the line to preserve the freedoms on which America was founded and still stands. Thank you.

If you don’t mind, I’d like to shift very briefly from our front yards to the global stage.

Recently, I’ve been compelled to recall President Reagan’s posture, “Peace through Strength.”

Through a new speech series, I’m seeking to remind Congress of the ideals “Peace through Strength” summons:

To believe in America, invest in our military and support our freedom.

That’s one initiative I’ll continue to unpack in the coming months. Through policymaking, I’m always seeking to address the issues impacting your daily lives. 

Health care access is a major focus.

For 44 years in a row, I’ve held at least one question-and-answer session in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.  

Veterans have told me about challenges and delays they’ve faced to secure needed medical attention.

In 2018, my colleagues and I passed the VA MISSION Act to overhaul VA health care services and establish the Veterans Community Care Program.

The intent of our legislation was to give veterans the choice to seek VA-covered care through a local provider if a VA facility can’t help them in a timely manner.

However, the Veterans Community Care Program isn’t working for everyone.

My oversight shows the VA has failed to collect over $200 million in reimbursements from private insurers. 

And, the VA has reportedly discouraged veterans from using the Community Care Program; instead, it has steered patients to VA facilities, sometimes subjecting them to long wait times or inadequate care.

This runs contrary to the 2018 law, as well as the VA’s core mission.  

I’m working to ensure proper implementation of the VA MISSION Act so that all veterans can access the health care they need, as soon as they need it.

The other issue I’d like to discuss is workforce opportunities.

Years ago, I created a Veterans Fellowship inspired by feedback from veterans and service members transitioning to civilian life.

For almost a decade, my state team has had at least one Fellow who served in our Armed Forces and specifically works with Iowa veterans. Their contributions are invaluable.  

Whether it’s in my office or through lawmaking, I’m consistently working to enhance veterans’ resources and advance your priorities.

My door is always open and I’m eager to hear your ideas – on veterans issues and any others.  

I started these remarks talking about traditions, so I’d like close by sharing a special tradition of mine.

Maybe some of you have been on an Honor Flight.

For those of you who aren’t familiar, Honor Flights are chances for veterans to spend a day in Washington visiting the memorials built to recognize your service.

When an Honor Flight from Iowa arrives in Washington or lands back in our state, Barbara and I – along with my staff – like to greet veterans and offer them our personal thanks.

It’s a very small token to show our immeasurable appreciation for you and the sacrifices you made to defend our freedom.

Lastly, you might be interested in an annual event my office holds as part of the Veterans History Project. This is an interview-style series the Library of Congress started to chronicle veterans’ stories for future generations.

To date, my office has organized seven Veterans History Projects and submitted 83 Iowa veterans’ stories. The next opportunity will be November 8th at the Veterans Memorial Commission & Building in Cedar Rapids.

The Veterans Fellow in my Des Moines office can answer your questions about the event on November 8th, or the Veterans History Project in general.

Thank you again. May God bless you, and may God bless America. 

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