News for Veterans - November, 2025

In this Update:

Ensuring U.S. and Pennsylvania Flags Are Made in America
Veterans Assistance Hours Changing in November
Expanding Eligibility for Free Hunting Licenses for Disabled Veterans
Federal Government Shutdown Veterans Programs Update

Ensuring U.S. and Pennsylvania Flags Are Made in America

All Pennsylvania and U.S. flags purchased by the Commonwealth for public display will be made in the United States under legislation approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 784 requires all state-purchased flags to be labeled “Made in the USA.” The measure now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Veterans Assistance Hours Changing in November

Please note that Veterans Assistance Hours at my district offices will be held on Thursday, November 20, instead of the regular scheduled day this month.

Our Veterans Service Officer, Bill McGovern, will be available to assist veterans and their families with benefits, claims, and other service-related matters.

If you or someone you know would like to meet with Bill to discuss veterans’ benefits or services, please contact my office to schedule an appointment at (570) 743-1918.

We appreciate your understanding of this schedule change and remain committed to ensuring that veterans across the 27th District receive the care and support they have earned through their service.

Expanding Eligibility for Free Hunting Licenses for Disabled Veterans

Legislation to expand eligibility for free Pennsylvania hunting licenses to veterans who are 100% disabled due to service-connected injuries outside of combat was recently introduced. Senate Bill 1020 provides $1 discounted hunting licenses to veterans who are partially disabled due to injuries incurred through training, non-combat operations, or other hazardous duties.

Federal Government Shutdown Veterans Programs Update

Despite the federal government shutdown on Oct. 1, the following Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operations remain open:

VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers
Processing and delivery of VA benefits
Burials at VA national cemeteries and applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
Call centers
Suicide prevention, homelessness services, and caregiver support

Services temporarily unavailable include career counseling and transition programs, certain benefits regional offices, and some public outreach operations. If you have questions or need help connecting with resources, please contact my office for assistance.

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Harrisburg Office
168 Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: (717) 787-8928
FAX: 717-787-9715

Mount Carmel
10934 State Route 61
Mt. Carmel, PA 17851
Phone: (570) 339-5937
FAX: 570-339-5938

Bloomsburg
160 W. 6th Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Phone: (570) 784-3464
Fax: 570-784-9379

Shamokin Dam
48 Orchard Drive, Suite 1
Shamokin Dam, PA 17876
Phone: (570) 743-1918
Fax: 570-743-7714

Luzerne County
Phone: (570) 387-4267

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