I was saddened to see threats to veteran benefits in the recent government shutdown. They fought for this country and don’t deserve to be used as a pawn in an ideological war by either side of the aisle.
If I understand what lead to VA situation correctly, in 2009 the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act was passed to protect a large portion of VA funding against budgetary impasses. However, VA benefit programs, including vocational rehabilitation, education, employment, home loan guaranty, and burial, are still impacted.
Please create a bill that protects the totality of all VA funding against that eventuality of a future shutdown and redefines what employees in other departments that co-operate to get out benefits are deemed non-essential.