1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

The current administration's proposed budget cuts pose a severe threat to the well-being and support systems for our nation's veterans. Slashing over 80,000 jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs will dramatically undermine the agency's ability to provide quality healthcare and vital services to millions of former service members. Additionally, cutting staff from the Veterans Crisis Line hotline could have devastating consequences, potentially leading to longer wait times and inadequate support for those at risk of suicide - an unconscionable failure to aid those who have sacrificed for our country. Furthermore, potential cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs like SNAP would strip essential healthcare coverage and nutritional aid from many low-income veterans. It is unacceptable to deprive those who served our nation of these basic necessities. Veterans already face higher rates of homelessness, food insecurity, and lack of insurance coverage compared to the general population. Reducing access to these crucial social safety nets will only exacerbate their struggles. I urge you to prioritize the well-being of our veterans by protecting funding for the VA healthcare system, the Veterans Crisis Line, and important anti-poverty programs like Medicaid and SNAP. These men and women put their lives on the line to defend our freedom – we have a solemn obligation to ensure they receive the care, resources, and dignity they deserve. Budgetary savings should never come at the expense of those who served their country honorably.