Representatives of veterans service organizations told the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee they support a slate of bills intended to improve services for caregivers, advance women's health research and expand transportation aid for rural veterans.

Brian Dempsey of the Wounded Warrior Project and Morgan Brown of Paralyzed Veterans of America expressed support for the Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment and Retirement Act, saying it would help family caregivers reclaim careers, stabilize finances and transition out of full‑time caregiving roles. "About 36% of post‑9/11 caregivers had reported income below 130% of federal poverty levels," Dempsey said, citing RAND research and arguing that better benefits and portable supports are needed when caregiving ends.

Senator Patty Murray urged stronger menopause research, noting a VA study found earlier menopause in some women veterans; she and witnesses supported the Service Women and Veterans Menopause Research Act to expand VA and DOD research on perimenopause and midlife women's health. VA acting officials said they supported the intent but would provide resource specifics for the record.

Paralyzed Veterans of America also urged raising the VA mileage reimbursement rate, noting the current VA rate remains at 41 cents per mile (set about 15 years earlier) and recommending tying it to the GSA rate to reduce veterans' out‑of‑pocket travel costs. The panel also supported bills to expand rural transportation grants and CHAMPVA children's coverage, though VA officials said they do not support extending CHAMPVA eligibility to children up to age 26.

Committee members asked VA to provide implementation timelines and funding details; witnesses urged the committee to ensure funding and program rules accompany statutory changes so supports reach caregivers and vulnerable veterans.