For many of America’s veterans, returning home means dealing with the visible and invisible wounds of war. Too many  face addiction, homelessness, and mental health battles. For veterans without family or legal representation who need guardians or conservators, a new federal partnership aims to step in. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Justice announced they will allow VA attorneys to serve as special assistant U.S. attorneys for veterans who can’t make their own medical decisions and don’t have a primary caretaker. 

For veterans in this situation—many of whom are at risk of homelessness—having a legal decision-maker can be lifesaving. It can help protect fundamental rights, steer clear of unnecessary and costly hospital stays, and connect them with the care they need.

This announcement comes shortly after Congress advanced legislation to expand career resources for veterans beyond healthcare. I recently supported two bills that will improve veterans’ education and workforce programs. The Veterans Readiness and Employment Improvement Act and the VETS Opportunity Act update job training and education programs to modernize and adapt to how veterans build careers today.

The four-year degree path, while valuable for some, isn’t an indicator for post-service career success. These reforms recognize—and celebrate—that. By broadening training opportunities and ensuring easier access to career counselors, these bills help veterans pursue trades, certifications, and new pathways into good-paying jobs.

Our veterans stepped up to protect our freedoms. Standing behind them with support, care, and opportunities worthy of that service is the least we can do in return.