Ranking Member Takano Demands Answers From VA Secretary as Trump’s Cuts Threaten Veterans Crisis Line

WASHINGTON- Ranking Member Mark Takano and 65 House Democrats sent a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins condemning the Administration's reckless dismantling of the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL), VA’s critical suicide prevention lifeline used by veterans in crisis and their loved ones. The line has received over 8.4 million calls since its creation in 2007. 

Today’s letter comes in the wake of the Administration’s callous termination of over 2,400 VA employees and plans to terminate 83,000 more. Carried out terminations included vital VCL staff whose efforts save lives on a daily basis as they are responsible for providing support to veterans in suicidal crisis. The Administration’s gutting of essential personnel included social service assistants who coordinate emergency welfare checks, training staff who prepare responders, management analysts who evaluate operations, and technology staff who maintain essential equipment—all while falsely claiming these cuts won't affect veteran care. 

Ranking Member Takano said, "Any change that harms VCL's capacity to answer the call of veterans at their time of need is unacceptable, and it is our fear this Administration's actions are already causing devastating harm to the veteran community. When an administration shows no mercy, especially for the veterans who defended this country, as a nation we should recognize and call out this wrong. Veterans are suffering, and they need help—that's why the VCL was created—and cutting its team, by even one person, is life threatening."

Link to Full Letter.

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