Newsbytes May 2, 2025 

In this Issue:
FRA Honors Rep. Garamendi with Pinnacle Award
FRA Board Brings Joy and Advocacy to VA Psyche Ward
SCOTUS Rules on Differential Pay 
Congressional Hearing on VA Mental Health Reform   
Congressional Concerns Over VA Budget Mismanagement 

FRA Honors Rep. Garamendi with Pinnacle Award
The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) recently honored Rep. John Garamendi with the prestigious Pinnacle Award, recognizing his outstanding support for active duty service members, veterans, and their families. The award was presented by the National President Maria Behm, Vice President Rick Fetro, National Executive Director Phillip Reid, and Assistant Director of Legislative Programs Theo Lawson. This high honor reflects the congressman's dedication to the military community and his efforts to address their unique challenges. 

Rep. Garamendi was recognized for his tireless advocacy, particularly for introducing the Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act, which aims to provide critical support to military families during difficult times. His work has been instrumental in ensuring that those who have served, and their loved ones, receive the care and benefits they deserve. The FRA expressed deep gratitude for his leadership and commitment to improving the lives of veterans and active duty personnel. 

Upon receiving the award, Rep. Garamendi expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the needs of service members and veterans. He promised to continue fighting for their rights and benefits, including tackling ongoing issues at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The congressman emphasized the importance of ensuring that veterans receive timely and effective care, and he pledged to work closely with the FRA to address these challenges. 

Following the award presentation, the FRA team visited multiple congressional offices to advocate for veterans' claims, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to supporting those who have served. During these visits, the team addressed specific issues, including claims challenges faced by one of their shipmates. The FRA's efforts emphasizes their commitment to ensuring that veterans' voices are heard, and their needs are met. 

The FRA's work in fighting for active duty personnel, veterans, and their families remains strong. Through initiatives like the Pinnacle Award and ongoing advocacy on Capitol Hill, the Association continues to make a meaningful impact. The FRA's dedication to service members and veterans is unwavering, and their efforts ensure that those who have sacrificed for our country receive the support they deserve. 

FRA Board Brings Joy and Advocacy to VA Psyche Ward 
The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) board members recently spent a meaningful day volunteering at a VA medical inpatient psyche ward, strengthening their connection to the veterans they serve. The group played a variety of games—Nintendo Wii bowling, checkers, card games, and other board games—creating an atmosphere of fun and engagement. Laughter and friendly competition filled the air as veterans and FRA members bonded over strikes, strategies, and shared stories. 

The day wasn’t just about games. The FRA team shared lunch with the patients and staff, sparking conversations and lighthearted jokes that lifted everyone’s spirits.  The camaraderie was palpable, and for the veterans, it was a welcome break from their daily routines, reminding them they’re not forgotten. 

As advocates for veterans and active-duty personnel, the FRA’s mission goes beyond policy papers and Capitol Hill. This hands-on experience gave the board a front-row seat to the real impact of FRA legislative and volunteer work. Seeing the veterans’ smiles and hearing their concerns firsthand brought new depth to the association’s advocacy efforts. The team took time to chat with staff and patients, gaining insights into the challenges facing the psyche ward and the broader VA system. 

With some VA units potentially facing cuts, the FRA board didn’t just leave with warm memories but ways to support the unit through donations and legislative action. These discussions highlighted the importance of protecting specialty programs that serve vulnerable veterans. The experience sharpened the legislative team’s understanding of VA programs, equipping them to craft more effective policies and provide informed advice to Congress. 

For the FRA, this visit was a powerful reminder of why they do what they do. It bridged the gap between abstract regulations and the people they affect, reinforcing their commitment to veterans’ well-being. Moving forward, the association pledges to keep pushing for the resources and support these heroes deserve—one game, one conversation, and one policy at a time. 

SCOTUS Rules on Differential Pay  
On April 30, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark 5–4 decision affirming that federal employees who serve as military reservists are entitled to differential pay when called to active duty during a national emergency. This ruling, from case 23-861, clarifies a key provision of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), requiring the government to pay the difference between an employee’s civilian and military salary. The decision impacts hundreds of thousands of reservists employed across federal agencies who often face a pay gap during deployments. 

Justice Neil Gorsuch authored the majority opinion, joined by four other justices, emphasizing that the timing of service during a national emergency—not a direct link between duties and the emergency—is sufficient to qualify for differential pay. The Court rejected the government's narrower interpretation, instead favoring a reading that protects reservists from financial loss while serving. This broader application of USERRA ensures reservists are not penalized for fulfilling military obligations, reinforcing the law’s original intent to safeguard their economic well-being. 

In dissent, Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and two others argued for a stricter interpretation. They likely held that differential pay should apply only when a reservist’s service directly addresses the emergency’s circumstances. Their position may have raised concerns about the fiscal burden on federal agencies and questioned whether such an expansive benefit should require explicit congressional authorization. Nonetheless, the majority’s view prevailed, setting a new standard for how the law is applied. 

For federal employee reservists, the ruling provides crucial financial security. Many face a drop in income when transitioning from their civilian roles to active duty, particularly those in higher-paying federal positions. By guaranteeing differential pay during national emergencies, the decision relieves economic stress, allowing reservists to serve without sacrificing their financial stability—a benefit that extends to their families as well. 

Beyond the immediate financial implications, the ruling may influence broader policy. Federal agencies will need to account for this new obligation in their budgets, especially during prolonged emergencies. Legislators may revisit the statute to clarify its boundaries or expand protections further. Importantly, the decision also supports national defense by removing disincentives for service, ensuring that reservists can answer the call without financial penalty—an outcome that strengthens both morale and military readiness. 

Congressional Hearing on VA Mental Health Reform 
On May 1, 2025, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing examining the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) mental health policies amid ongoing concerns over veteran suicide rates and care delivery challenges. Despite a significant increase in the VA’s budget—479% since 2001—veteran suicides remain alarmingly high, with 6,247 deaths in 2022, averaging 17 per day, plus an additional 20 daily deaths from self-injury mortality such as overdoses. Bipartisan frustration emerged over the VA’s inability to make meaningful progress in reducing these preventable deaths. 

Chairwoman Kiggins emphasized the gap between funding and results, citing persistent delays in mental health appointments and bureaucratic inefficiencies. She criticized the VA for “doing less with more,” noting stagnant suicide rates despite a shrinking veteran population. Ranking Member Ramirez raised concerns about deteriorating workplace conditions and workforce reductions, including clinicians being forced to provide telehealth in closets or showers due to space shortages. 

FRA's board visit to a VA inpatient psychiatric unit revealed deep concern among staff about proposed workforce cuts and their potential impact on quality of care. Dr. Elsa Weekers, Deputy Executive Director of the VA’s Office of Mental Health, outlined the agency’s suicide prevention initiatives, such as same-day crisis intervention and Risk ID screenings. However, Dr. Julie Kroviak, Acting Assistant Inspector General, reported only 55% compliance with suicide risk screenings in 2023, attributing the shortfall to inadequate oversight and staff discomfort. Additional weaknesses were found in discharge planning, acute care, and post-suicide reviews. 

The hearing exposed critical gaps in care delivery, including delayed access to services, privacy risks due to inadequate telehealth environments, and staff shortages affecting both care quality and compliance with mental health protocols. Although 30,000 frontline positions are reportedly exempt from staff cuts, concerns remain about recruitment, onboarding, and retention. Non-compliance with suicide prevention standards and unclear leadership roles within VA facilities were cited as factors contributing to preventable deaths. 

Looking ahead, lawmakers urged the VA to streamline its bureaucracy, restore community outreach, and bolster staffing—especially among nurses and psychologists. The committee also called for clearer policies, better training, and stronger coordination with the Department of Defense and community providers to support care transitions. The FRA pledged ongoing oversight and policy guidance to ensure veterans receive the mental health services they need. With bipartisan agreement on the urgency of reform, the VA must now demonstrate measurable progress to rebuild trust and save lives. 

Congressional Concerns Over VA Budget Mismanagement 
On April 29, 2025, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, highlighting significant issues with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget under the Biden-Harris administration. The letter alleges that the VA’s fiscal mismanagement led to a $15 billion shortfall in veterans’ benefits funding for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025. This shortfall stemmed from inaccurate budget projections and a failure to account for increased staffing costs and enrollment growth in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Bost’s letter emphasizes that such errors threatened the timely delivery of critical disability compensation and education benefits for veterans, raising concerns about accountability and oversight within the VA. 

The letter details how the VA’s budget discrepancies were initially projected at $2.9 billion for FY 2024, but subsequent estimates revealed a much larger shortfall, necessitating emergency Congressional action. In September 2024, Congress passed the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, providing $3 billion to cover immediate needs. However, the VA later disclosed an additional $12 billion deficit for FY 2025, attributed to costs from the PACT Act and other operational expenses. Bost argues that these miscalculations reflect systemic issues, including a lack of transparency and poor coordination with Congress, which hindered efforts to ensure veterans’ benefits remained secure. 

Further compounding the issue, the VA’s Inspector General (IG) confirmed what Bost describes as a “fake budget shortfall” in a March 2025 report, suggesting some reported deficits may have been exaggerated or mismanaged. The letter accuses VA leadership of failing to provide clear explanations for the discrepancies, leaving veterans and taxpayers vulnerable to the consequences of bureaucratic incompetence. Bost urges Attorney General Bondi to investigate potential violations of federal law, including the Anti-Deficiency Act, which prohibits agencies from spending beyond appropriated funds. This call for accountability underscores the need for robust oversight to prevent future budgetary failures that could jeopardize veterans’ care and benefits. 

The Fleet Reserve Association will closely monitor this developing situation to ensure that the care and benefits of veterans are kept intact. This situation highlights the broader challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with the nation’s obligation to its veterans, a priority that demands urgent attention and reform.