Until every veteran has an ID...

Dear Friends,

Today, the United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs put out a press release touting the advancement of 25 bills to better serve veterans across the country. Although IDs are primarily a state issue, there are actions at the federal level, particularly through the Department of Veterans Affairs, that could help lessen the burden and make it easier and cheaper for more veterans to get an ID. 

As we read about the bills, we were heartened to see the Reaching Every Homeless Veteran Act of 2021, which expands a program that provides "customized employment and training services to homeless or at-risk-of-homelessness veterans to address their specific barriers to employment." Alas, the bill makes no mention of IDs. It's almost shocking, considering the fact that veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless are likely not to have IDs, which are needed for employment.

We've introduced you to some of the numerous veterans who inspired our #FreeIDsForVets campaign this month but this continual lack of discussion or even acknowledgment of this issue is why our work on it is so important. As is your support.