National Commander Paul A. Morin voiced his appreciation to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi
and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for their leadership role in reinstating the traditional Joint Sessions of the House
and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees for veterans’ service organizations. Morin also thanked the Senate
and House Veterans Affairs Committees’ leadership for the their efforts in reinstating The American Legion’s full
voice on Capitol Hill.
This wise decision restores vital congressional forums for the
entire veterans’ community, Morin said. The ground swell of support for restoring these joint sessions by the
grassroots at the local, state, and national level was overwhelming. “Many thanks go to Legionnaires across the
country for remaining persistent and keeping this issue on the forefront with their congressional representatives,”
Morin said. “This is a big win for The American Legion family. On behalf of all veterans, our voice will
once again be heard, and heard loudly, this fall during the reinstated hearings.”
The American Legion takes full advantage of this joint session to address its legislative
agenda for the next session or the new Congress. Featured in this hearing is the newly elected National Commander addressing
resolutions adopted at The American Legion’s National Convention. The National Commander also offers budget recommendations
for the Department of Veterans Affairs for the next fiscal year, months ahead of the President’s official budget request.
This joint session also provides Congress with valuable information with regards to key topics for future hearings.
“The American Legion looks forward to working with
the new leadership not only for the remainder of my tenure, but for years to come,” Morin said. “Again,
the wartime veterans of The American Legion sincerely appreciate Speaker Pelosi’s and Senator Reid’s continued
leadership and support of the entire veterans’ community.”
