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BlogOn November 29, the U.S. House of Representatives will consider the bipartisan Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach (CVSO) Act (H.R. 4601/S. 2405). Counties strongly support this legislation as it would increase the ability of state, county, municipal and tribal veteran service officers to support veterans as they navigate the wide range of their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits including health care, housing and transition assistance programs.House passes CVSO Act to support veteransDecember 2, 2022December 2, 2022, 1:45 pm
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Blog
House passes CVSO Act to support veterans
On December 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach (CVSO) Act (H.R. 4601) with a vote of 401-18. Counties strongly support this legislation as it would increase the ability of state, county, municipal and tribal veteran service officers to support veterans as they navigate the wide range of their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits including health care, housing and transition assistance programs. The National Association of Counties (NACo) had previously joined the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO), which represents a workforce of over 2,400 County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs), to send a letter of support for H.R. 4601 to HVAC committee leadership.
CVSOs in 29 states and two Native American tribes serve as the first point of contact in the community for veteran’s services and help veterans obtain more than $50 billion annually in federal health, disability, pension and compensation benefits. CVSOs are currently funded almost entirely by counties, which creates challenges for areas with high demand or counties that serve veterans in rural areas.
The CVSO Act will provide critical federal resources to help counties meet our growing caseloads by awarding competitive grants worth $250 million over five years for states to create, expand or support CVSOs or similar government entities, such as state, municipal and tribal VSOs.
The recent passage of the historic bipartisan Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act (PL 117-168) greatly expanded VA healthcare eligibility for toxic-exposed veterans, however this will put further strain on CVSOs and without additional federal resources, many counties will not have the additional staff to meet the rise in caseloads.
CALL TO ACTION
The bill now heads to the Senate (S.2405) where it will be considered. NACo urges counties to contact their Senators to support passage of this crucial legislation.
We will continue to monitor activity on the CVSO Act as it moves to the Senate.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- NACo Letter of Support for CVSO Act
- Authorize Resources for County Veteran Service Officers
- President Biden signs sweeping veterans’ health package into law
- Operation Green Light for Veterans: County Toolkit
On November 29, the U.S. House of Representatives will consider the bipartisan Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach (CVSO) Act (H.R. 4601/S. 2405). Counties strongly support this legislation as it would increase the ability of state, county, municipal and tribal veteran service officers to support veterans as they navigate the wide range of their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits including health care, housing and transition assistance programs.2022-12-02Blog2022-12-02
On December 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach (CVSO) Act (H.R. 4601) with a vote of 401-18. Counties strongly support this legislation as it would increase the ability of state, county, municipal and tribal veteran service officers to support veterans as they navigate the wide range of their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits including health care, housing and transition assistance programs. The National Association of Counties (NACo) had previously joined the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO), which represents a workforce of over 2,400 County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs), to send a letter of support for H.R. 4601 to HVAC committee leadership.
CVSOs in 29 states and two Native American tribes serve as the first point of contact in the community for veteran’s services and help veterans obtain more than $50 billion annually in federal health, disability, pension and compensation benefits. CVSOs are currently funded almost entirely by counties, which creates challenges for areas with high demand or counties that serve veterans in rural areas.
The CVSO Act will provide critical federal resources to help counties meet our growing caseloads by awarding competitive grants worth $250 million over five years for states to create, expand or support CVSOs or similar government entities, such as state, municipal and tribal VSOs.
The recent passage of the historic bipartisan Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act (PL 117-168) greatly expanded VA healthcare eligibility for toxic-exposed veterans, however this will put further strain on CVSOs and without additional federal resources, many counties will not have the additional staff to meet the rise in caseloads.
CALL TO ACTION
The bill now heads to the Senate (S.2405) where it will be considered. NACo urges counties to contact their Senators to support passage of this crucial legislation.
We will continue to monitor activity on the CVSO Act as it moves to the Senate.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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Press Release
Congress Extends Support for Operation Green Light for Veterans
NACo today welcomed the introduction of a bipartisan U.S. House resolution recognizing Operation Green Light for Veterans, a national campaign spearheaded by NACo and its affiliate, the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers. -
Reports & Toolkits
Operation Green Light for Veterans 2023: County Participation Toolkit
Find resources to help your county participate in Operation Green Light, including information on converting municipal lighting to green, outreach materials and more. -
Blog
Applications open for $52.5 million in VA grants for veteran suicide prevention
On March 2, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced the availability of $52.5 million in grants to community-based organizations that provide and facilitate suicide prevention services for veterans and their families. -
Blog
VA shares resources to assist with PACT Act outreach efforts
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs began processing PACT Act benefit claims on January 1, 2023, and has been leading a nationwide outreach campaign to inform veterans, their families and survivors about the PACT Act and encouraging them to apply for the health care and benefits they have earned. -
Policy Brief
Authorize Resources for County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs)
ACTION NEEDED: Urge your members of Congress to reintroduce and pass the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act (H.R. 984/S.106), which would authorize federal funding to expand and strengthen County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs). -
Webinar
Operation Green Light for Veterans: Highlights and Next Steps for Counties
Nov. 29, 2022 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pmJoin us for a webinar reflecting on Operation Green Light and learn about opportunities to continue serving and supporting veterans at the county level.
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Basic page
Veterans and Military Services Committee
The Veterans and Military Service Committee engages NACo and its members to develop and highlight county best practices and policies to promote innovative programs, services and benefits for our nation’s military, veterans and their families.pagepagepage<p>The Veterans and Military Service Committee engages NACo and its members to develop and highlight county best practices and policies to promote innovative programs, services and benefits for our nation’s military, veterans
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BlogApplications open for $52.5 million in VA grants for veteran suicide preventionMar. 13, 2023
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BlogVA shares resources to assist with PACT Act outreach effortsFeb. 23, 2023
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Related Resources
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Press ReleaseCongress Extends Support for Operation Green Light for VeteransOct. 2, 2023
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Reports & ToolkitsOperation Green Light for Veterans 2023: County Participation ToolkitJun. 28, 2023
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Policy BriefAuthorize Resources for County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs)Feb. 1, 2023
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Operation Green Light for Veterans 2023: County Participation Toolkit
Find resources to help your county participate in Operation Green Light, including information on converting municipal lighting to green, outreach materials and more.
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