Congressman Flood Announces Package of Bills Supporting Our Nation’s Veterans

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA - Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood announced the introduction of three bills ahead of this year's Veterans Day, observed on November 11, 2025. The legislation in the package includes a focus on providing relief to veterans facing crushing medical debt as well as efforts that honor the service and sacrifice of America's service members during times of conflict.

"Our nation's veterans are too often left behind after their service," said Congressman Flood. "Through the years, I've heard directly from veterans' communities across Nebraska's First District. It's so important that we deliver practical solutions to better support and honor those who served our country. I'm grateful to my colleagues for joining me in introducing these bills as we approach Veterans Day, which is an opportunity for our country to reaffirm its commitment to those who've worn the uniform."

The bills that Congressman Flood and his colleagues introduced are provided below:

Lincoln Post Office Renaming to Honor Commodore Dixie Kiefer

(Photo credit: Naval History and Heritage Command)

"As a hero of Nebraska, and America, Commodore Dixie Kiefer served with distinction through both World Wars," said Congressman Flood. "His courage and leadership were exemplified in the Second World War, where he earned two Purple Hearts, the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, and other honors for his actions during the Battles of Midway, the Coral Sea, and throughout the Pacific Theater. I am honored to introduce this measure to name the Calvert Street Post Office in honor of Commodore Dixie Kiefer, who was a graduate of Lincoln High School, as a long overdue recognition of his extraordinary service and sacrifice."

If enacted, this legislation will designate the post office located at 1201 Calvert Street in Lincoln, Nebraska, as the "Commodore Dixie Kiefer Memorial Post Office Building." Commodore Kiefer served in the United States Navy from 1918 until his passing in a Navy transport plane accident in 1945.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

Stamp Out Veterans Medical Debt Act

"VA medical debt is a concern that remains top of mind for far too many of our nations veterans," said Congressman Flood. "Those who have served and sacrificed to protect our nation should not face the burden of overwhelming medical debt for care received at a VA facility or through a VA Community Care Program partner. I look forward to seeing this bill advance through Congress and launching a new stamp campaign so the American people can once again demonstrate our shared commitment in supporting our nation's veterans."

"Congressman Flood's legislation provides a meaningful, bipartisan solution to alleviate the crushing weight of medical debt, enabling veterans to focus on recovery, reintegration, and financial stability. By addressing this issue head-on, the "Stamp Out Veterans Medical Debt Act" reinforces the nation's sacred promise to care for those who have borne the battle." - James McCormick, Executive Director of Government Affairs at Vietnam Veterans of America

The "Stamp Out Veterans Medical Debt Act" seeks to help relieve approximately $280 million in unpaid fees and co-pays accrued by veterans in relation to their care via the VA, including VA approved Community Care. The legislation directs the U.S. Postal Service to issue and sell a Veterans Medical Debt Relief Stamp, with proceeds going directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs to help pay down veterans' medical debt. As a result of this bill, the VA would pay down debt related to unpaid copayment or coinsurance billings as a result of hospital care, medical services, and extended care provided by the VA or through approved medical care administered via the Community Care Program.

The Stamp Out Veterans Medical Debt Act is proudly supported by Vietnam Veterans of America.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

USS Frank E. Evans Act

(Garry Hodgson of Omaha. Photo credit: Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation)

(Sage brothers of Niobrara. Photo credit: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund)

"The tragedy of the USS Frank E. Evans' sinking in 1969, closely following missions in the Vietnam combat zone, should never be forgotten," said Congressman Flood. "For decades, the names of the 74 crew members lost in the accident, which includes four sons of Nebraska, have remained absent from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. I want to thank Congresswoman Judy Chu of California for joining me in ensuring that these brave sailors receive the recognition they have long deserved for their sacrifice in service to our country, and so many of their families have fought for."

"I am proud to join Rep. Flood in introducing the bipartisan USS Frank E. Evans Act to honor the 74 sailors, including 22 Californians, whose ultimate sacrifice must not be forgotten," said Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28). "I have heard from the families and survivors who have long sought this recognition for their loved ones and am committed to supporting these efforts. These brave Americans deserve to be honored alongside their fellow service members at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial."

"Vietnam Veterans of America supports the USS Frank E. Evans Act, which would authorize the inclusion of the 74 brave sailors lost on June 3, 1969, aboard the USS Frank E. Evans on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. These sailors served with honor during the Vietnam War and made the ultimate sacrifice while participating in operations connected to that conflict. Their names deserve a permanent place beside their brothers and sisters who gave their lives in the same war. This legislation is an act of long-overdue recognition and respect. It honors the service, sacrifice, and shared legacy of all who served during the Vietnam era." - Tom Burke, Vietnam Veterans of America President

"The American Legion is proud to endorse the USS Frank E. Evans Act, which would add the names of the 74 sailors who lost their lives in a collision at sea on June 3, 1969, to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Although these sailors had recently completed combat operations within the designated Vietnam combat zone, their sacrifice remains unrecognized because the collision occurred just outside the official boundary. The American Legion remains steadfast in its commitment to honoring and commemorating all servicemembers who make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation."- Julia Mathis, National Legislative Director at The American Legion

The "USS Frank E. Evans Act" seeks to honor the sailors' ultimate sacrifice aboard the USS Frank E. Evans by directing the Department of War to add the names of the 74 fallen crew members to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. To date, more than 380 names have been added to the Memorial through changes in criteria and special exceptions for those whose service and sacrifice were connected to the conflict in Vietnam.

The USS Frank E. Evans had recently completed a combat mission in the Vietnam combat zone before it sank in a tragic naval accident on June 3, 1969. The destroyer collided with an Australian aircraft carrier in the South China Sea, claiming the lives of 74 sailors- including four Nebraskans: Gary Sage, Greg Sage, Kelly Jo Sage, and Garry Hodgson.

The USS Frank E. Evans Act is proudly supported by Vietnam Veterans of America and The American Legion.

Original cosponsors for this bill include: Reps. Nanette Barragan (CA-44), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Mike Levin(CA-49), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Mike Thompson (CA-04), and Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02).

Full text of the bill can be found here.

Congressman Flood is the Chair of the Republican Main Street Caucus and has made veterans' issues a priority as he represents the First Congressional District, which includes Offutt Air Force Base, two State Veterans Homes, and multiple VA health care facilities.