Oppose budget cuts to the Veterans Administration

I am writing as a concerned constituent and advocate for our nation’s veterans to express my strong opposition to the cuts within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These cuts, which include plans to eliminate up to 83,000 jobs—over 17% of the VA workforce—threaten to severely undermine the quality and accessibility of care and benefits for millions of veterans who have bravely served our country. While officials claim that these reductions will not impact health care or benefits, reports from veterans, advocacy groups, and even VA staff suggest otherwise. Already, veterans are experiencing longer wait times, delayed claims processing, and disruptions in essential services such as the Veterans Crisis Line and medical research programs. The loss of experienced staff and the cancellation of critical contracts are creating capability gaps that directly harm the well-being of veterans and their families. Veterans’ support has always been a bipartisan priority, and I urge you to uphold this tradition by opposing any measures that would diminish the VA’s ability to fulfill its mission. Our veterans deserve timely access to world-class health care, mental health services, and the benefits they have earned through their service and sacrifice. To the extent that these cuts are proposed in order to reduce the deficit, I would like to emphasize that if Congress is serious about addressing the national debt, the most effective approach is to reject the extension of the Trump tax cuts. Multiple independent analyses show that these tax cuts, if extended or expanded, would add between $4 trillion and $9 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, with the overwhelming majority of benefits going to billionaires and wealthy corporations. Instead of enriching those who need it least and further straining our fiscal outlook, we should prioritize investments that benefit all Americans, including our veterans. I urge you to reject these harmful budget proposals and and stand with our veterans. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your response.