S. 3726: National Veterans Strategy Act of 2026

This legislation, known as the National Veterans Strategy Act of 2026, proposes several key actions aimed at improving the well-being and success of veterans in their post-service lives. Below is a summary of the main components of the bill:

Definition of Veteran Success

The bill mandates that the President establish clear metrics to define and measure what "success" looks like for veterans. These metrics will address various areas of life, including:

• Physical health
• Mental health
• Spiritual health
• Economic security and opportunity
• Education
• Family and social engagement
• Civic engagement

To formulate these metrics, the President will collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including governmental departments, veteran service organizations, and private sector companies.

Development of a National Veterans Strategy

The legislation requires the President to create a National Veterans Strategy that will be submitted to Congress at least once every four years. This strategy will aim to coordinate the efforts of federal, state, local, and nonprofit organizations to assist veterans in achieving success based on the defined metrics.

In developing this strategy, the President will also engage with the public to gather input, ensuring that the needs of veterans across different demographics (such as age, disability status, and marital status) are taken into account.

Guidelines for Services and Benefits

The strategy will provide directions regarding the services and benefits available to veterans, particularly for those struggling to meet the established metrics. This includes:

• Identifying which organizations will provide specific services.
• Determining the best methods for delivering benefits to maximize effectiveness and resource use.

Accountability and Evaluation

The legislation compels the President to direct federal agencies to align their operations with the National Veterans Strategy and to report annually to Congress on the implementation and progress of the strategy. This report will cover:

• Performance metrics and assessments of expenditure related to the strategy.
• Identification of effective programs that could be replicated.
• Barriers to success and recommendations for improvement.

Periodic Reviews and Updates

The bill requires that the National Veterans Strategy and defined metrics be reviewed and potentially updated at least once every four years to ensure relevance and effectiveness. Public participation will be encouraged during these reviews.

Congressional Oversight

The legislation includes provisions for congressional oversight of the National Veterans Strategy. If Congress disapproves of the strategy as submitted by the President, the President may not take any further action regarding that strategy within a specified timeframe.

Implementation Framework

The President will ensure coordination among federal, state, local governments, and the private sector for the effective implementation of the strategy, which may include updates to agency strategic plans and resource allocations.

Timeline for Implementation

Following the enactment of this legislation, the President will have defined timeframes for establishing the initial metrics and submitting the first comprehensive strategy. The focus will start with developing metrics within two years post-enactment and presenting the first strategy within four years.

Relevant Companies

• BA - Boeing Company: As a major employer of veterans, Boeing may be impacted through the increased demand for veteran hiring initiatives and participation in related programs.
• CSCO - Cisco Systems, Inc.: Cisco could see changes in its hiring strategies as the company may want to align with new metrics proposed in the strategy aimed at veteran employment.
• VZ - Verizon Communications Inc.: Verizon may be involved with providing services to veterans and could potentially receive government contracts for initiatives stemming from the implementation of the National Veterans Strategy.