#USA #Washington #Paralyzed Veterans #Veterans Benefits #Carl Blake

Paralyzed Veterans of America Calls for Urgent Action

On February 12, 2026, the Chief Executive Officer of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Carl Blake, made a notable statement after the House Veterans' Affairs Committee reviewed the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act (H.R. 6047). This act represents a pivotal development for the veterans community, particularly for those who are catastrophically disabled.

In his address, Blake emphasized the necessity of timely action, stating, "Today's markup of the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act is an important step forward, but momentum must not stall." He highlighted a pressing issue: many veterans and their families have faced prolonged delays in accessing updated benefits, underscoring that they can no longer afford to wait for the system to catch up with their needs.

Blake pointed out that the current benefits framework inadequately supports veterans and their families, leaving them in difficult situations that stem not from personal failures but rather from systemic shortcomings. He referenced PVA National Treasurer Tom Wheaton's testimony before the committee, which succinctly encapsulated the sentiment: "These benefits are not extras; they are lifelines." This perspective resonates deeply with veterans who rely on these aids for their day-to-day sustenance and quality of life.

With the path forward marked by previous testimonies and discussions, PVA urges the House leadership to escalate their efforts in passing this long-overdue act. The emphasis is clear—action is crucial to secure the much-needed support for veterans who have given so much to their country.

For those seeking further information regarding this legislative effort, PVA encourages involvement through several avenues, including their 2026 policy priorities, outreach to Congress members, and participation in legislative alerts via the PVAction Force at PVA.org/PolicyPriorities.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America

PVA is a non-profit organization, officially chartered by Congress, with a singular mission: serving veterans who have suffered spinal cord injuries or diseases. Their aim is not only to guarantee that these veterans receive the benefits they rightfully earned through their service but also to monitor their care in VA facilities dedicated to spinal cord injuries. In addition, PVA actively participates in funding critical research and educational initiatives aimed at improving care and outcomes for individuals with paralysis.

Beyond immediate benefits advocacy, PVA stands as a lifelong ally for veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering training and career services, championing accessibility in public settings, and facilitating health and rehabilitation opportunities via sports and recreational activities. With a broad network of over 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America operates across all U.S. states, including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, demonstrating their commitment to supporting veterans, their families, and caregivers nationwide.

To learn more about the organization and its efforts, visit PVA.org.

Contact Information:
Kristina Packard
(703) 282-8121
[email protected]