Topics to Avoid in Bipartisan Advocacy

A small list of Partisan or Controversial topics that should be avoided when advocating for Surviving Spouse Legislation:

General Politics

• Presidential approval/disapproval

• Endorsements or attacks on specific political candidates

• Impeachment proceedings or scandals

• Election fraud claims or controversies

• January 6th or “Stop the Steal” rhetoric

• "Deep State" or anti-government conspiracies

Social & Cultural Issues

• LGBTQ+ rights and military service (e.g., transgender service members)

• Critical Race Theory (CRT) and military DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) programs

• Gender identity policies in the military

• Religious freedom vs. separation of church/state

Immigration & Border Security

• Military involvement at the U.S.-Mexico border

• Use of veterans as political props in border debates

Public Health & Science

• COVID-19 vaccine mandates for military members

• Mask mandates and lockdown debates

• VA funding related to “pandemic relief” or public health spending

Defense Spending & Foreign Policy

• Ukraine/Russia military aid debates

• Israel/Palestine conflicts

• Military industrial complex rhetoric

• Foreign arms sales or alliances (e.g., NATO controversies)

Veteran-Specific Issues (when politicized)

• VA privatization vs. expansion

• Veterans’ homelessness linked to housing policy battles

• Weaponizing veteran support to attack political opponents

Instead, Focus On:

• Expanding survivor benefits

• Improving access to VA healthcare

• Addressing toxic exposure and burn pits

• Reducing wait times and bureaucracy in benefits processing

• Military transition assistance

• Support for caregivers and Gold Star families