Secretary McDonough

To our press in attendance, once I open the Q&A period, please raise your hand and wait for me to recognize you. Once called upon, please step to the microphone. To those joining us virtually, please remember to remain on mute for the duration of the press conference.

VA’s Office of Survivors Assistance answers thousands of emails and phone calls every year assisting survivors with questions and challenges relating to their benefits. That’s what we’re here for. So please, if there’s anything we can do for you, shoot a note to officeofsurvivors@va.gov. That’s officeofsurvivors@va.gov if you have any questions or concerns.

A few weeks ago, I sat in the House Chamber and listened to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address to Congress, and our country. It was a powerful speech, a memorable opportunity. Being here with you—heroes in your own right—I’m reminded of a few lines from that speech.

Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that twelve VA senior leaders will receive 2022 Presidential Rank Awards (PRA) - one of the most prestigious awards in the federal career civil service - for their extraordinary service to Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Chosen by President Biden, the PRAs recognize the hard work and important contributions of dedicated civil servants in the American federal workforce.

Today is a day to honor Veterans; to remember all that they have done for our nation — for each of us; to reflect on those heroes still Missing in Action — heroes whom we miss, we love, long for, and hope to see come home, and soon; and recognize that when Veterans served, their families, their caregivers, survivors sacrificed right alongside with them.

Let me recognize the Press Club’s American Legion Post and its commander, Tom Young, and all the Veterans Service Organizations represented here ... you are critical to helping us serve Vets, their family members, caregivers, and survivors.

Chief Wilson, thank you for that kind introduction. More importantly, thank you for your service in uniform and your leadership of the Military Women’s Memorial.

It’s great to be with so many family Caregivers and Caregivers’ advocates here in Atlanta, and to share some information with you about our Caregiver Support Programs (CSP) at the Department of Veterans Affairs—VA. Thank you all for participating in this important event.

We are continuing to closely monitor the storm and its impact on Veterans and employees in its wake. We’re also working closely with our federal partners to support ongoing emergency planning efforts.

On Oct. 1, The Department of Veterans Affairs will expand and extend eligibility for VA health care for certain Veterans of the Vietnam War, Gulf Wars and post-9/11 era under the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. This expansion increases health care eligibility for generations of toxic-exposed Veterans, giving them access to the health care they've earned and deserve.

Thank you, Chief Bill Smith for that kind introduction, for your steadfast leadership as the Alaska representative of our VA Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs, and for your continued service to the nation.

Last night, the Department of Veterans Affairs submitted to the Federal Register an interim final rule that will allow VA to provide access to abortion counseling and - in certain cases - abortions to pregnant Veterans and VA beneficiaries. Specifically, VA will provide access to abortions when the life or health of the pregnant Veteran would be endangered if the pregnancy were carried to term, or when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. VA beneficiaries enrolled in CHAMPVA will also have access to this care.