Obstacles Amplified: Veterans' Difficulties in Accessing Care Deepen with Proposed Budget Cuts
GOP's Budget Cuts Impact Veteran Health Programs
In late February of 2023, Republicans voted to pass a bill to cut all federal programs by 22% without any carve-outs for veteran programs, which has prompted an outcry from bi-partisan veterans and movement groups. This bill, if enacted, would result in extreme cuts to essential veteran programs that could leave millions of veterans unable to access the quality care that they deserve.
Impact of the Bill
A 22% reduction in funding would result in 30 million fewer veteran outpatient visits, losing 81,000 jobs in the Veterans Health Administration, and cuts to non-VA programs such as SNAP which provides essential benefits to 1 million veterans and their families.
The impacts of these cuts would be devastating, particularly for veterans who already face obstacles when it comes to accessing healthcare and other benefits. Veterans are returning home with physical and mental health issues that require ongoing care, and many struggle to find employment or stable housing. A lack of funding for veteran programs would only worsen these difficulties.
Veterans' Response
In response to the new bill, a coalition of about two dozen veterans, including the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, wrote to Congress to express their alarm. They stated that these cuts would undo years of progress made to provide veterans with the care and benefits that they have earned.
Americans Take Action
The Republicans' refusal to protect veterans' programs and benefits from the cuts sends a clear message that they do not value the sacrifices that veterans have made for their country. As Americans, it is our duty to take care of our veterans and ensure that they have access to adequate healthcare programs. We must use our actions to show our veterans that we recognize and appreciate their service and sacrifice.