VFW Podcast 68: The Looniest of Times

Congress may have delayed action on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, but the conversation surrounding the legislation is far from over. Rob and Brittany are joined by Kristina Keenan, Mike Figlioli and Gabby Kubinyi to break down the latest developments, explain why the VFW remains opposed to paying for expanded veterans legislation by reducing future disability compensation, and discuss what advocates are hearing during meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. The discussion examines how the proposed changes could affect future veterans seeking disability compensation for conditions like tinnitus and sleep apnea, why Congress legislating disability ratings would be unprecedented, and how the version of the Major Richard Star Act included in the package differs from the standalone legislation the VFW continues to support. The conversation also explores the history behind the VFW's decades-old political cartoon that has recently resurfaced in public debate, emphasizing the organization's longstanding tradition of advocacy on behalf of veterans. Rob and Brittany also highlight the success of the VFW's grassroots Action Alert campaign, discuss preparations for the 2026 VFW National Convention in Reno, and introduce new training opportunities designed to help members become even more effective advocates. Hosts: Rob Couture – Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Brittany Dymond Murray – Associate Director, VFW Public Affairs & Strategic Outreach Featured Guests: Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service Mike Figlioli – Chief of Staff, VFW Washington Office Gabby Kubinyi – Deputy Director, VFW National Legislative Service Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 4:58 Update on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act 7:04 Why grassroots advocacy on Capitol Hill matters 13:03 Survivor benefits and the Love Lives On Act 17:37 How proposed disability rating changes could affect future veterans 21:19 Why Congress changing VA disability ratings is unprecedented 31:22 The Major Richard Star Act explained 40:27 The history behind the VFW's political cartoon 55:28 Action Alert surpasses 50,000 messages to Congress 59:25 Preview of the 2026 VFW National Convention 1:14:01 New advocacy training for VFW members 1:16:42 Good of the Order Links & Resources Mentioned VFW Action Alert – Tell Congress to Oppose Veterans' Benefit Cuts https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/6/vfw-action-alert-tell-congress-to-oppose-veterans-benefit-cuts Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102) https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2102 Ask the VFW https://www.vfw.org/ask-the-vfw 127th VFW National Convention (Reno, Nevada) https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/7/127th-vfw-national-convention VFW National Legislative Service https://www.vfw.org/advocacy Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) https://www.dpaa.mil/