NEW YORK, NY (September 26, 2016) – Today, as the 2016 presidential race enters the final stretch, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) members nationwide are reminding the candidates that they are accountable to 22 million veterans tonight at the first Presidential debate. IAVA, the nation’s leading voice of the Post-9/11 Generation of Veterans, is calling on NBC moderator Lester Holt to press the candidates to outline specific policies that address the issues facing our nation’s veterans and their families as a part of tonight’s conversation billed as “Securing America”, which is expected to focus on national security.
How would you stop the outrageous rate of veteran suicide in America taking 20 lives every day?
Would you privatize the VA or not?
Do you support the pending Senate plan to cut the New GI Bill by approximately $3B included in the “Veterans First” act? Will you stand with veterans and oppose all cuts to the New GI Bill?
Why did you choose to not serve in the military? There are over 22 million veterans in America and over 93% of IAVA members intend to vote this November. A recent Military Times poll has Trump currently leading in the military with almost 37.6%. Gary Johnson was at 36.5%, Clinton at 16.3% and Stein at 1.2%.
The first presidential debate will take place at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY at 9 p.m.
IAVA Founder and CEO, Paul Rieckhoff is available for media. If interested, please reach Claire Owens at press@iava.org or 212-982-9699.