Ranking Member Takano’s Statement on Return-to-Office Waiver for Veterans Crisis Line Employees

Rollback comes just days after 65 House Democrats Joined Ranking Member Takano’s Call for VA to Reverse Mandate

WASHINGTON- Today, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement after the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) granted Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) employees a waiver from President Trump's return-to-office order: 

"President Trump's reckless and poorly conceived mandate would put veterans' lives at risk. This was not simply a matter of administrative inconvenience – it’s a dangerous policy that could have had deadly consequences for veterans in crisis who depend on immediate access to these lifesaving services. The Veterans Crisis Line serves as the last line of defense for veterans experiencing suicidal thoughts. Any disruption to this service – even for a matter of minutes – can mean the difference between life and death. The Administration's blanket return-to office order showed a shocking disregard for the unique operational needs of this critical service and the vulnerable veterans who depend on it.

After backtracking under Democratic pressure, VA has granted Veterans Crisis Line employees a waiver from President Trump's return-to-office order, and that they will no longer be required to report to physical work locations. But let me be absolutely clear: If the reversal demanded by my colleagues and I had not been granted, and if is not maintained, veterans’ lives would be at risk. My colleagues and I will continue to demand answers to the questions we asked VA in our letter, and we will continue to fight for veterans access to this crucial service. VCL employees and veterans deserve answers about the damage that this Administration’s actions have done.”

Background: The Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) provides 24/7 support to veterans experiencing mental health emergencies. Veterans in need can call, text, or chat with VCL responders who will help them during their crisis and connect them with the services they need as soon as possible. This service is crucial now more than ever as more veterans, who make up over a third of the federal workforce, are facing economic uncertainty following ongoing mass terminations of federal employees. 

The letter from Ranking Member Takano and 65 House Democrats also highlighted the extremely concerning negative impacts on the VCL of President Trump’s other executive orders and the firing of 2,400 VA employees, including numerous VCL employees that provide crucial support for VCL responders. Ranking Member Takano and his Democratic colleagues demanded answers to questions they had regarding the scope of these negative impacts, and any actions taken by VA to reinstate VCL employees who had already been fired. Democrats will continue to demand answers and take action to protect veterans’ access to VA and the VCL.  

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