LEGISLATION COMMITTEE & BENEFITS PROTECTION TEAM
The Legislative Committee and Benefits Protection Team (BPT) serve as the Department of Virginia DAV’s unified voice in protecting and advancing the rights of disabled veterans, their families, and survivors. Comprised of members from chapters across the Commonwealth appointed annually by the Department Commander, the committee reviews and develops legislative proposals that impact veterans at both the state and national levels. Through active engagement with Virginia’s General Assembly, the Department of Veterans Services, and DAV National Headquarters, the team works to help shape fair, meaningful policy and safeguard earned veterans’ benefits. In addition, the committee leads advocacy efforts through education, outreach, and social media campaigns to raise awareness of legislative issues affecting the veteran community, ensuring that the voices of Virginia’s disabled veterans are heard in every level of government.
Contact: deptofvabptl@gmail.com
25-26 COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Virginia Legislative Tracking & Advocacy
Stay Informed on Virginia Legislation
As advocates for disabled veterans, it's essential that DAV members across the Commonwealth stay engaged with state legislation that impacts our community. Start by using the Who's My Virginia General Assembly Representative tool to identify your local legislators—knowing who represents you is the first step in effective advocacy. Then, visit the Virginia Legislative Information System (LIS) to search for bills, track veteran-related proposals, and monitor the progress of legislation during the current session. By staying informed and engaged, you can ensure that the voices of Virginia's disabled veterans are heard in Richmond and that our earned benefits remain protected.
DAV National Legislative Priorities
DAV National Legislative Agenda
DAV continues to lead the fight for policies that uphold the earned rights and benefits of all veterans and their families. Our national legislative agenda for 2025–2026 focuses on protecting hard‑won benefits, ensuring timely care for toxic‑exposed veterans, and advancing fair, sustainable funding for VA programs. Learn more about our 2025 Critical Policy Goals, the work of DAV’s Benefits Protection Team, and the joint Independent Budget developed with PVA and VFW. Each initiative and resolution within our Legislative Program reflects the priorities of DAV members nationwide and drives our advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill.
Learn More at DAV.org/about-dav/Legislation
Resolutions (Legislative Program)
Independent Budget
Guidelines for a successful congressional meeting
Training & Education
While others talk, DAV Benefits Protection Teams act
DAV empowers members and supporters to be effective, informed advocates for our nation’s veterans. Through legislative training and educational programs, we provide practical tools to help you communicate confidently with lawmakers, understand how laws are made, and make your voice count where it matters most.
Resources for Advocates:
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Benefits Protection Team / Legislative Workshop (PDF): Learn how DAV’s Benefits Protection Team advances key policy priorities and how you can take part in legislative outreach.
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Guidelines for a Successful Congressional Meeting: Step‑by‑step advice on preparing for, conducting, and following up after meetings with legislators.
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Benefits Protection Team Leader Toolkit: A comprehensive resource guide for DAV leaders and advocates, featuring templates, talking points, and best practices to coordinate local legislative efforts and support national policy goals.
Video Resources
Department By-Laws Article 4, Section 4-4, Para. 10: Legislative Committee
Para 10: LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Para 10.1: Shall be responsible for reviewing all resolutions and mandates for legislation affecting disabled veterans in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States.
Para 10.2: Shall elect a chairperson who will also serve as the Department Benefits Protection Team Leader.
Para 10.3: Shall prepare legislative proposals to be presented to the Commonwealth of Virginia General Assembly and Virginia Department of Veterans Affairs that will be beneficial to disabled veterans and their dependents and survivors. A member of the Committee shall appear in person before governing bodies of the Commonwealth of Virginia to present our legislative requests, and shall make available a copy of the Department Legislative Program to each Chapter.
Para 10.4: Shall review all legislative proposals and resolutions that affect legislation on a National level for approval at the Department Convention and submittal to the National Convention, if approved.
Para 10.5: Shall be responsible for maintaining a list of members that are concerned with legislative issues. The Committee shall use this list to solicit support of the membership for Department legislative proposals and keep the members on the list informed of the progress of legislative proposals.
Para 10.6: Shall be responsible for arranging Department legislative activities/events at the National Mid-Winter Conference and attendance at the National Commander's presentation to Congress.