You may have heard that some politicians in Congress are threatening a Government shutdown.
I’m hopeful that common sense will prevail, and we can reach an agreement to avert a shutdown. But, regardless, I wanted to take action to ensure our Nation’s veterans would remain protected from a shutdown’s damaging effects.
Last week, I sent a letter with 36 of my colleagues urging President Obama to prioritize the care and well-being of our Nation’s brave veterans, by deeming certain Veterans Affairs employees as “essential.” By doing so, many programs at the VA will continue to operate on behalf of our veterans.
Why is this important?
Because if the Government were to shutdown, veterans could experience delays in the processing of disability claims. Vital resources like the National Center for PTSD could be degraded. Veterans seeking to further their education by taking advantage of the G. I. Bill could encounter delays that could cause them to miss enrollment deadlines.
But by deeming certain VA employees as essential, we could make sure that the promises we’ve made to our veterans are not broken.
We simply can’t afford to let politics get in the way. Our veterans deserve to get the care they’ve earned for their selfless service to our Country.
Kindest regards,
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos