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Government Shutdown Halts Support for 100,000 Veterans

10/24/2025

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Collins Urges Reopening

The government shutdown furloughed about 30,000 Veterans Affairs Department employees.
Most Veterans Health Administration staff continue to work and receive pay, but vocational training and transition briefings are halted.
Doug Collins, VA Secretary, says the shutdown undermines the government's commitment to veterans and urges Congress to reopen, noting that over 100,000 veterans lack essential counseling services and many cannot access education program support.

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Veterans Face Health Cuts

In Virginia Beach, veterans and lawmakers say cuts and an ongoing shutdown threaten veterans' health care.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill" would threaten reproductive health services for women veterans.
Planned Parenthood's defunding has forced veterans to pay out-of-pocket for essential services, reducing autonomy in health decisions.
With elections approaching, Virginia’s status as a reproductive care safe haven could be jeopardized, leaving service members without support.

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Collins Urges Reopening

The government shutdown furloughed about 30,000 Veterans Affairs Department employees.
Most Veterans Health Administration staff continue to work and receive pay, but vocational training and transition briefings are halted.
Doug Collins, VA Secretary, says the shutdown undermines the government's commitment to veterans and urges Congress to reopen, noting that over 100,000 veterans lack essential counseling services and many cannot access education program support.

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