Protect VA Healthcare: Reverse Cuts and Fully Fund the System

The recent 'Lincoln Declaration' signed by 170 current and former Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical professionals has raised alarming concerns about the future of veteran healthcare. As your constituent, I urge you to take immediate action to protect and strengthen the VA healthcare system. The VA operates the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, serving over 9 million veterans with specialized programs. However, proposed policies threaten to undermine this vital system through staffing reductions and increased outsourcing to community care providers. These changes could lead to facility closures, fragmented care, and increased risks for veterans with complex conditions. Studies consistently show that VA healthcare outcomes are often comparable to or better than non-VA facilities, especially for complex needs. Despite this, severe staffing shortages and resource diversion to community care programs are eroding the VA's capacity to provide high-quality, specialized care. Outsourcing care not only compromises the continuity of treatment for veterans but also increases their out-of-pocket expenses. Furthermore, the potential closure of VA facilities due to budget cuts would severely limit accessibility to care for many veterans, particularly those in rural areas. I implore you to take the following actions: 1. Reverse the budget cuts to the VA healthcare system. 2. Ensure full funding for VA facilities and staffing. 3. Prioritize strengthening the VA's internal capacity over outsourcing to community care providers. 4. Support legislation that protects and enhances the VA's ability to provide comprehensive, specialized care for veterans. Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices for our country. It is our moral obligation to fulfill the promise of providing them with the best possible healthcare. By supporting a robust VA system, we can ensure that our veterans receive the specialized, integrated care they need and deserve. The time to act is now, before irreversible damage is done to this critical healthcare system.