Press Releases

Norfolk, VA – Today, the House Democratic Steering & Policy Committee held a hearing on the impacts of the Trump Administration proposed policies and DOGE cuts for veterans, led by Co-Chairs Congresswomen Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Nanette Díaz Barragán (D-CA). The committee heard from policy experts, healthcare providers, and veterans on how Republican schemes makes it more difficult to plan, access care, and utilize the programs across the federal government. 

“Today, I heard a clear message from veterans, healthcare leaders and VA workers: President Trump's agenda is making it harder for veterans and their families to receive the care they need,” said Rep. Kelly. “The Trump administration has fired over 6,000 veterans who are federal workers, implemented hiring freezes in the VA hospital system and cut mental healthcare for veterans. These attacks against the brave men and women who served our country in uniform are undignified and disrespectful.”

“Our veterans served our country and have earned the care and benefits they were promised,” said Rep. Barragán. “Yet, Donald Trump and House Republicans have fired thousands of veterans, canceled contracts for programs to end veteran homelessness and prevent veteran suicide, frozen hiring new staff at the VA, and cut programs that provide health care and education — all so that they can line the pockets of their billionaire donors. House Democrats will continue to put our veterans over billionaires, fight back against Trump and House Republicans, and work to keep America’s commitment to our veterans.” 

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), who hosted the field hearing in his district said, “Today’s hearing highlighted the ways President Trump, Secretary Collins and Congressional Republicans have harmed our nation’s veterans by firing veterans, weakening the VA, and slashing Medicaid. I was proud to host my colleagues in Hampton Roads, home to one of the largest veterans’ populations in the country. I look forward to continuing to work together to protect America’s veterans from these attacks and ensure they receive the quality health care they earned.” 

“Since his first day back in office, the President has gone after our nation’s veterans. The President has fired thousands of veterans and VA staff, taken a sledgehammer to the PACT Act serving veterans exposed to toxic substances, and canceled hundreds of contracts for programs supporting veterans’ mental health and addressing veteran homelessness. Make no mistake: This administration is making our veterans, their families, and the American people worse off,” said Rep. Mike Thompson, a veteran. 

“As Ranking Member on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, I hear heartbreaking stories of our veterans being fired or denied and delayed from receiving their hard-earned benefits and services,” said Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). “Trump and Republicans are breaking our promise to America’s veterans, letting Elon Musk’s DOGE cut benefits and healthcare our veterans earned while carrying out the largest firing of veterans in American history.” 

This year, the Steering & Policy Committee has held hearings on Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security Small Business, and Veterans. Each one shared personal stories of how everyday Americans are being harmed by this administration. The Steering & Policy Committee will continue to hear, collect, and share more stories from across the nation in the months ahead. 

The full video of today’s hearing can be found here.  

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