Sen. Kelly Slams Trump’s Cuts to Vital Veteran Services

U.S. Senator Mark Kelly expressed significant concerns regarding the future of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs under the Trump administration during his address to approximately 60 veterans at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall in Tucson.

Kelly highlighted a pattern of job cuts and service reductions detrimental to veterans, citing actions taken since January 2020. “There have been some actions taken from the administration that really hurt our veteran community,” he stated.

The senator mentioned a memo from VA Chief of Staff Christopher D. Syrek, which indicated plans to reduce the department’s workforce to 2019 levels. “If we go back to those numbers, which would mean a cut of about 80,000 people from the VA delivering healthcare, that would have a serious impact on all of us who get healthcare through the VA,” Kelly warned, emphasizing the potential ramifications for a system already under strain.

Additionally, Kelly pointed to proposed substantial cuts to the federal Medicaid system, foreseeing further damage to Arizona’s healthcare landscape. His interactions with veterans revealed a troubling trend; many who were laid off had received excellent performance reviews shortly before their dismissals. “This was unconscionable,” Kelly remarked, referring to the manner in which federal employees were notified of their job loss.

Veterans at the meeting voiced various concerns, predominantly pertaining to healthcare accessibility. Issues such as limited VA hours and appointment scheduling challenges, particularly for those in rural areas, were prominent in the discussions.

Army veteran Heather Honaker, involved in a state program assisting veterans, shared that some female clients were abruptly required to change counselors. The emotional repercussions of such forced transitions could be substantial, especially for individuals addressing deep-seated trauma. “They shouldn’t have to start their mental health all over with new providers,” Honaker stressed. “Retelling these stories is traumatic and discouraging for veterans.”

Kelly highlighted the alarming statistics regarding veteran suicides, indicating that approximately 18 veterans take their own lives daily. “It’s an epidemic,” he stated, urging that the government must honor its commitments to those who served.

With an estimated 7 percent of Arizona’s half-million veterans living below the federal poverty line and many facing homelessness, Kelly emphasized the need for systemic support. “My view is the government should have a sacred pact with veterans,” he concluded, advocating for comprehensive care for those who have sacrificed for the nation.