Bipartisan legislation that would strengthen long-term stability for military and veteran caregivers has one more hurdle to clear before it can be put before the full House of Representatives for a vote.

The MOAA-supported Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement (3R) Act (H.R. 2148) already has moved through both the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees — a significant milestone reflecting broad recognition of caregivers’ role as the backbone of veterans’ long-term care. But the bill must receive approval from one more committee, the House Ways and Means Committee, before the House can vote on it.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Pass the Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act]

On May 21, a coalition of leading veterans and caregiver organizations including MOAA, the Quality of Life Foundation, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Code of Support Foundation, The Independence Fund, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veteran Caregiver, and Veteran Warriors sent a letter to the Ways and Means Committee urging members waive consideration over H.R. 2148 so that this bipartisan legislation may proceed forward to the full House floor for a vote.

“These caregivers stepped forward to care for our nation’s most severely wounded veterans, saving the federal government substantial resources in the process,” the letter reads. “They should not, as a result of that service, face financial insecurity in their own retirement.”

[READ THE LETTER]

Addressing a Critical Financial Gap

Veteran caregivers often leave the workforce for years to care for wounded, ill, injured, or aging veterans. However, stipends provided under the VA’s caregiver program are not classified as earned income, which prevents caregivers from building retirement credits or contributing to savings.

As a result, many face long-term financial insecurity after their caregiving role ends.

The 3R Act takes an important step to close this gap by expanding:

• Reemployment and transition support
• Education and training opportunities
• Retirement planning resources and policy solutions

National Spotlight Reinforces the Need

Momentum behind caregiver policy is being amplified at the national level, most recently at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s 11th Annual National Convening on Military and Veteran Caregiving, held May 19 in Washington, D.C.

The convening brought together senior federal leaders, bipartisan lawmakers, advocates, and caregivers — including VA Secretary Doug Collins, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. These high-profile attendees highlight the progress that’s been made, despite the work still ahead.

At the event, the foundation launched its National Blueprint for Action, a roadmap to strengthen support for the 14.3 million Americans caring for wounded, ill, or injured servicemembers and veterans. Developed with input from across government, industry, and the nonprofit sector (including organizations like MOAA and other veterans groups), the blueprint emphasizes emotional and mental wellness, economic mobility, caregiving youth and families, and supportive care ecosystems.

Broader national findings show caregivers provide an estimated $119 billion in annual care while many households face significant financial strain tied to lost income and long-term economic insecurity. Discussions held at the event, along with the blueprint’s priorities, reinforce a clear conclusion that support requires not just recognition, but targeted policy solutions like the Caregiver 3R bill that address the emotional well-being, financial stability, and retirement security needs within the military and veteran community.

Time to Finish the Job

As we close out the Month of the Military Caregiver, the message is clear: It’s time to move the Caregiver 3R bill toward the finish line. Support MOAA’s caregiver advocacy efforts by reaching out to your lawmakers via our Legislative Action Center.