NAVREF submitted a Statement for the Record to the House Subcommittee on Health expressing support and feedback on key legislation affecting VA research programs and veteran health.

VA Data Transparency and Trust Act

NAVREF supports the goal of increasing transparency and trust in VA data, but we raised concerns about how “medical services data” is defined under current law. This definition may not fully capture the complexity of VA research and integrated care—such as cases where a veteran receives both standard treatment and participates in a clinical trial at the same facility. Without accounting for such nuances, reporting may be incomplete or misleading. We urge Congress and VA leaders to refine the bill to ensure data transparency reflects the full scope of care and research.

RNA Sequencing to Diagnose PTSD

NAVREF fully supports this forward-looking bill directing VA to study RNA sequencing as a tool to identify cellular markers of PTSD. This aligns with VA’s growing focus on precision medicine and mental health innovation. Many of our member nonprofits already support PTSD research and are ready to assist with implementation and collaboration. We also recommend the legislation leverage the VA Million Veteran Program’s data and infrastructure to strengthen the study.

NAVREF welcomes opportunities to collaborate with Congress and VA stakeholders to ensure legislation supports impactful, accurate, and future-focused research that benefits all veterans.

This week, the U.S. Senate introduced a resolution honoring the 100th anniversary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Research program and designating May 12–16, 2025, as Veterans Affairs Research Week. This milestone recognizes the VA’s century-long legacy of innovation, discovery, and impact on the lives of Veterans, the broader American public, and the global scientific community.

Introduced by Senator Tammy Duckworth, the bipartisan resolution highlights how VA research has transformed care delivery, pioneered medical breakthroughs, and reshaped public health outcomes. It not only commemorates a historic achievement, but also underscores the vital need to continue investing in the VA’s research mission for generations to come.

The VA's research enterprise began in 1925 when the Veterans’ Bureau—the VA’s predecessor—established the Medical Research Section. Early efforts included building hospital-based research programs and creating diagnostic clinic networks that linked VA facilities with outside medical experts. These innovations set the stage for a century of progress, from the first liver transplant and the creation of the cardiac pacemaker to major advances in tuberculosis treatment, CT scanning, and hearing aid development.

Today, VA research remains at the forefront of discovery. The resolution celebrates a few of the more than 7,000 active research projects being conducted across the VA system, emphasizing fields such as mental health, oncology, diabetes, and neurology. It also calls out groundbreaking contributions like GLP-1 drug development, stemming from studies on Gila monster metabolism at the Bronx VA—research that revolutionized diabetes and weight management care around the world.

The resolution also recognizes the important role of VA-affiliated nonprofit research and education corporations (NPCs), which support public-private partnerships and help amplify VA investigators' impact. These collaborations ensure that VA researchers can pursue novel therapies, clinical trials, and cutting-edge studies while maintaining a Veteran-centered focus.

NAVREF is proud to represent the network of NPCs that facilitate these vital partnerships. By supporting the infrastructure and agility needed to respond to emerging scientific opportunities, NPCs help ensure that VA research remains responsive, relevant, and robust.

The Senate resolution affirms five key commitments:

1. Celebrating the 100-year milestone of VA research and its impact.

2. Applauding the dedication and scientific excellence of VA investigators and their affiliates.

3. Recognizing the importance of sustained Federal support for VA research.

4. Acknowledging VA research’s contributions to local and national economies.

5. Supporting the formal designation of May 12–16, 2025, as Veterans Affairs Research Week.

NAVREF submitted a formal Statement for the Record to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs as part of its oversight hearing on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 Advance Appropriations.

As chair of the Friends of VA Medical Care and Health Research (FOVA), NAVREF reiterated strong support for robust, sustained funding for the VA Medical and Prosthetic Research program, including critical investments in infrastructure and research IT.

We urged Congress to appropriate $1.2 billion for VA research, along with targeted resources for modernizing VA’s research facilities and digital capabilities—investments essential to maintaining VA’s leadership in innovation and improving health outcomes for Veterans and all Americans.

See the full statement here

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today’s Senate VA Hearing highlighted a promising and growing interest among lawmakers in making clinical research a routine, accessible part of the care Veterans receive through VA. Several Senators emphasized the value of integrating research into the broader VA healthcare model, making a powerful affirmation of the role research plays in driving better outcomes.

While Secretary Collins continues past the first 100 days of becoming acquainted with the full scope of the VA research enterprise, this presents a positive opportunity. NAVREF and the NPC research community stand ready as committed partners to support his engagement and to strengthen awareness of this vital work. We look forward to continuing the conversation during next week’s Research Week, helping to ensure VA leadership and Congress are aligned in advancing a more research-driven future for Veteran care.

NAVREF also commends the strong bipartisan spirit displayed during today’s Senate hearing with both Democrats and Republicans alike demonstrating a shared commitment to ensuring the VA delivers meaningful, high-quality outcomes for our nation’s Veterans.

As Secretary Collins continues his efforts to build a more responsive and forward-looking VA, we believe success will depend on strong partnerships with external stakeholders to meet the evolving needs of veterans.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new national survey conducted by Ipsos reveals overwhelming public support for research at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), underscoring its essential role in driving better healthcare for Veterans and advancing medicine for all Americans.

To mark the 100th Anniversary of the VA Research Program, the National Association of Veterans' Research and Education Foundations (NAVREF) partnered with Ipsos to explore how veterans and the American public view the impact of VA research. The findings show near-unanimous agreement across the country:

• 96% of Veterans (and 87% of Americans) believe it is important for Veterans to have access to medical treatments developed specifically for military-related injuries and experience.
• 91% of Veterans (and 85% of Americans) say it is crucial for VA clinicians and staff to lead medical research that drives improvements in care.
• 92% of Veterans (and 86% of Americans) support ensuring Veterans have access to the latest research and innovative treatments.

Additional findings include:

• 86% of Veterans and 71% of Americans agree that VA leaders should prioritize delivering high-quality healthcare, rather than focusing on cost savings.
• A substantial 83% of veterans and 70% of Americans believe efforts to fund and facilitate VA medical and health research should be strengthened or maintained at their current levels.
• Despite this strong support, public awareness of VA’s research contributions remains limited. Only a quarter of Americans correctly identified that VA researchers produce a significant amount of medical and health research.

“The American people and our nation’s Veterans have spoken with one voice: VA research matters,” said Rashi Romanoff, CEO of NAVREF. “VA research saves lives and honors the sacrifices of those who have served. This overwhelming support is a call to action—to invest boldly, to innovate fearlessly, and to ensure that every Veteran has access to the best that medicine can offer.”

The survey results send a clear message that VA research is valued by the public and viewed as foundational to delivering the care Veterans deserve – and continued investment is critical.

Since its inception in 1925, VA research has pioneered numerous breakthroughs, including the development of the first implantable cardiac pacemaker, the first successful liver transplant, and the creation of the nicotine patch for smoking cessation. VA researchers have also been instrumental in advancing treatments for tuberculosis, heart disease, diabetes, and mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression.

NAVREF urges increased federal investment in VA research to ensure Veterans receive cutting-edge care and to accelerate medical innovation nationwide. This message is echoed by a broad coalition of more than 80 healthcare institutions and member organizations—including the Association of American Medical Colleges, American Psychological Association, American Thoracic Society, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Nurses Organization of VA—calling on Congress to provide sustained, predictable funding in FY26. These investments are essential to advancing priority research areas and delivering lifesaving treatments to Veterans across the country.

To learn more about NAVREF advocacy and hear directly from those who’ve benefited from VA research, visit navref.org/Voice-of-the-Veteran.

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For media inquiries please contact:

Elizabeth Stout

estout@navref.org

Communications and Public Policy

About NAVREF

The National Association of Veterans' Research and Education Foundations (NAVREF) is dedicated to advancing the success of the VA-affiliated research and education foundations. NAVREF's mission is building a stronger veteran research and innovation community through support and collaboration. Our organization represents a network of over 75 VA-affiliated research foundations legislated by Congress to maximize VA research efforts.

On April 17, 2025, President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum formally extending the Federal civilian hiring freeze through July 15, 2025. This action follows the initial hiring freeze directive issued on January 20, 2025, and reaffirms the administration’s efforts to restructure and streamline the Federal workforce under Executive Orders 14170 and 14210.

While this memorandum affirms continued protection of "veterans’ benefits," it may nonetheless create operational delays, particularly in areas dependent on Federal hiring or onboarding of new staff. 

NAVREF is actively engaging with ORD and other relevant stakeholders and we will continue to advocate for necessary exemptions and push for clear guidance that preserves the integrity and momentum of veterans' health research.

We will keep you updated as more information becomes available. Please feel free to reach out if you encounter any issues or need assistance.

Please note that under the freeze, a WOC can convert to an IPA if the position is exempt; otherwise, we have to wait until the freeze is lifted.

VA has announced a 90-day extension for NTE appointments related to research to ensure the continuity of VA research efforts. This 90-day extension applies to both expiring WOC and IPA appointments.

The VA Research Program, a cornerstone of veterans' healthcare, is facing unprecedented challenges. A federal hiring freeze, workforce reductions, and funding cuts threaten to disrupt critical research and clinical trials that veterans rely on today.

NAVREF, in collaboration with leading veterans' service organizations (VSOs) like Disabled American Veterans, The Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, is sounding the alarm. Immediate action is needed to protect veterans' access to life-saving treatments and ensure the continuation of vital research efforts. Without this intervention, critical clinical trials for cancer treatments, suicide prevention, opioid withdrawal, and more will be delayed, putting veterans’ health at risk.

Read the full statement here.

NAVREF has submitted a formal statement for the record ahead of the February 25th HVAC Legislative Hearing on HR 740, the Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025. NAVREF is urging Congress to ensure that veterans receiving community care do not lose access to critical VA research, clinical trials, and emerging treatments.

Our statement highlights concerns from the Red Team Executive Roundtable Report, which warns that gaps in data-sharing and care coordination between VA and community providers threaten veterans’ ability to participate in groundbreaking medical advancements. NAVREF calls for structured pathways to integrate research opportunities into community care contracts and safeguard VA’s role in medical innovation, data collection, and training the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Read our full statement here.

The Friends of VA Medical Care and Health Research (FOVA) has issued an urgent letter to Congress regarding the devastating impact of the federal hiring freeze and recent mass dismissals of VA employees.

The hiring freeze threatens to disrupt not only veteran healthcare but also groundbreaking research at VA medical centers nationwide. Key studies on cancer treatments, opioid addiction, prosthetics, suicide prevention, and toxic exposures are now at risk of suspension or cancellation. 

FOVA has called on Congress and the Administration to immediately halt and rescind dismissals of key medical and research staff and to exempt all roles related to medical care and research from the hiring freeze. Without action, the freeze will not only diminish the quality of veteran healthcare but will also stifle medical innovation that benefits veterans and civilians alike.

NAVREF and our coalition partners stand firm in advocating for policies that ensure VA research continues to improve veteran health and advance medical breakthroughs.