On December 18th, the New York City Council held its final meeting of 2025. During that session, Council members passed 51 separate bills representing nearly every interest group across the city. Yet the entire Veterans Legislative Package was blocked.

Rather than allowing a transparent vote, City Council leadership relied on procedural tactics to quietly shut the package down. By using mechanisms such as Rule 9.10, claiming missing paperwork that was already on file, and laying over the bills until the end-of-year deadline expired, the Council ensured that critical veterans legislation never received a single floor vote.

These maneuvers halted initiatives tied directly to veteran housing, mental health care, and small business support. Veterans Committee Chair Bob Holden publicly described the outcome as a “personal vendetta,” stating that veterans became “collateral damage” in a political process designed to avoid public accountability.

This moment underscores a troubling reality. Decisions that deeply impact veterans and their families are being made behind closed doors, with leadership betting that people will not notice or speak out. But when communities organize and respond together, silence is no longer an option.

Here’s What We Lost
Because the Veterans Legislative Package was blocked, the following proposals never received a vote:

Homelessness Prevention 
Monthly rental assistance to help get veterans off the streets. (Blocked)

PTSD Support (Traumatic Memory Therapy)
A pilot program for specialized therapy to treat combat related trauma. (Blocked)

Housing Transparency
A requirement to report how many veterans actually gain access to Mitchell Lama affordable housing. (Blocked)

Mental Health Mentors 
Funding for veteran mentors within specialized Veterans Treatment Courts. (Blocked)

Small Business Protection 
A warning period to protect veteran owned businesses from devastating city fines. (Blocked)

Food Vendor Access
Waiving permit fees for veteran food vendors to help jumpstart local businesses. (Blocked)

Community Representation 
Requiring every NYC Community Board to establish a dedicated Veterans Committee. (Blocked)

Veteran Contracting Opportunity
A program designed to help veteran owned businesses compete for and win city contracts. (Blocked)

These were not symbolic measures. They were practical, targeted solutions that addressed homelessness, trauma, economic stability, and representation for those who served.

We are not just a “special interest.” We are veterans, caregivers, parents, workers, and neighbors. We are a force. And the only way to break through political no shows and procedural roadblocks is by speaking with a unified voice.

As planning begins for 2026, your input is essential.

By sharing your feedback, you help build the data needed to strengthen advocacy, shape strategy, and ensure veterans and their families are no longer excluded from decisions that affect their lives.

This survey takes just two minutes to complete, but its impact will shape the year ahead.

Take Action Today | Take the 2026 Strategy Survey

This message and advocacy effort is adapted and shared with credit to 5 Borough Veterans, whose leadership continues to push for transparency, accountability, and meaningful inclusion of veterans in city government.