1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

Pete Hegseth and Doug Collins' push to drastically reduce veterans' health care benefits is deeply concerning and betrays the commitment we owe to those who have served our nation. Their proposals to restrict VA care only to veterans with service-connected disabilities, and provide vouchers for private care, risk dismantling a system designed to meet the specialized needs of our military community. Many veterans require holistic treatment that goes beyond what private facilities can provide, including for issues like PTSD, toxic exposure, and traumatic injuries. Privatizing care could also make it harder for low-income and rural veterans to access vital services. While the VA system is not perfect, the solution is to build upon and improve it - not decimate a earned benefit that recognizes the sacrifices of our service members. Hegseth and Collins' plans prioritize cost-cutting over quality care, breaking the sacred obligation to support those who put their lives on the line for our freedoms. I urge you to reject any efforts to undermine the VA health care system and stand up for our nation's veterans.