Chairman Takano, Chair Pappas Applaud VA’s Move to Pause Debt Collection During Pandemic

WASHINGTON, D.C — Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano (D-Calif.) and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Chris Pappas (D-NH) released the following statements praising VA’s decision to pause debt collection owed to both the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) through September 30^th due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The economic turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic has left our country reeling—now, as thousands of veterans are out of work and too many are struggling to pay their bills, I am so pleased to hear that VA will once again pause debt collection from veteran beneficiaries,” said Chairman Takano. “Now is the time for decisive action to provide real relief to our veterans. By heeding the Biden Administration’s call and pausing debt collection, VA will help lessen the financial burden from this pandemic and provide much needed respite to our veterans.”

“As veterans across the country continue to suffer from the severe economic consequences of this pandemic, the last thing they need is a call from a debt collector,” said Congressman Pappas. “In addition to dealing with COVID-19, all too often our veterans also face unexpected debt collection from the VA, sometimes due to overpayments through no fault of their own. That is why I have been fighting for a suspension of VA debt collection for the duration of this crisis and am glad that VA has heeded our calls to provide support to veterans. This pause on debt collections will provide critical relief and ensure our veterans can focus on their health during these trying times.”

###

• Print
• Email
• Tweet