1. United States
2. Okla.
3. Letter

As a concerned constituent, a U.S. Air Force military spouse, and the daughter of a U.S. Army Vietnam combat veteran, I am deeply disturbed by the recent announcement that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will be eliminating 80,000 employees. This decision will cripple the VA’s ability to provide essential care and services to millions of veterans, including those who have sacrificed everything for this country. The VA plays a critical role in supporting veterans, offering medical care, mental health services, disability compensation, job training, and housing assistance. Cutting 80,000 employees will mean longer wait times, fewer available services, and reduced access to quality care for the very people our nation has a duty to support. Veterans already struggle with delays in receiving healthcare and benefits, and these drastic cuts will only worsen their hardships, leaving many without the care they were promised. Adding to this outrage is the fact that at least 25% of the VA workforce are veterans. These cuts do not just affect the agency—they directly harm veterans who serve their fellow service members. It is appalling to see politicians claim to support veterans while dismantling the very federal agency that exists to serve them. It is also incredibly hypocritical for those who say they stand with veterans to support slashing federal service jobs that are overwhelmingly filled by veterans. The VA does not just serve veterans—it employs them, giving them stable careers after military service. This decision strips thousands of veterans of their livelihoods while also diminishing the quality of care for those in need. If we, as a nation, truly care about veterans, we should be strengthening the VA—not gutting it. These cuts will leave veterans behind, just as previous failures in veteran healthcare have done in the past. It is unacceptable, and I urge you to fight against these reckless reductions. Veterans and their families deserve better than empty words of support while actions say otherwise. I strongly urge you to oppose these job cuts and instead fight for funding and staffing that ensures our veterans receive the care, services, and respect they have earned. I look forward to your response.