Department of Veterans Affairs building entrance in Washington, D.C. (Photo: G. Edward Johnson)
The VA has reported that the ongoing federal government shutdown is affecting services for about one million American Veterans. The information came in a statement released on Oct. 30. The department outlined which operations remain active and which have been suspended as the shutdown continues into what is now the longest in U.S. history.
The Senate has failed several times to pass a short-term funding bill to reopen the government. Although there have been signs of bipartisan discussions, lawmakers have not yet reached an agreement to end the standoff.
Because the VA receives some funding in advance from Congress, its main health care operations are still open. Vet Centers, hospitals, and outpatient clinics continue to provide medical services. The department also confirmed that benefits such as compensation, pension, education, and housing assistance are still being processed. Burials at national cemeteries are continuing as well.
Several other VA programs have been disrupted. According to the department, more than 900,000 Veterans cannot reach the GI Bill Hotline, which has been suspended. Counseling and case-management services under the Veteran Readiness and Employment program have also been paused due to staff furloughs, affecting over 100,000 Veterans. The department reported a growing backlog of new applicants for the program, which stood at nearly 62,000 at the end of October.
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In-person services have also been limited. Nearly 60 regional benefits offices are closed to the public across the United Staes, and the VA’s regional office in Manila has ceased operations because its legal authority to function expired on Sept. 30. Transition services for more than 16,000 Service Members preparing to leave the military have been halted because contracts supporting those programs are inactive during the funding lapse.
Maintenance at 157 national cemeteries has stopped, delaying groundskeeping and the placement of permanent headstones, though burials continue as scheduled.
Leaders from both political parties have exchanged blame for the continued shutdown. VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a statement that the funding impasse is limiting services for Veterans and creating difficulties for VA employees. Members of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee responded by saying the administration is responsible, noting that the majority party currently holds both chambers of Congress and the White House.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said this week that a compromise may be close, adding that progress toward a resolution appears to be underway.
Until an agreement is reached, thousands of VA employees will remain furloughed or working without pay, and many Veterans continue to face delays for some services.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
