Ranking Members Takano and Blumenthal Denounce VA Decision to Halt Vital Education and Housing Benefits During the Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON—Today, House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins expressing concern regarding reports they received from veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and constituents, that VA is currently failing to process and disburse critical educational and housing benefits provided under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Veteran Readiness and Employment, and the Dependents Educational Assistance program.

“While we understand the lapse in government funding has halted some VA services, it should not impact the processing and payment of these veteran benefits,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter to VA Secretary Collins. “These payments are essential, mandatory funds that veterans and their families rely on for food, rent or mortgage payments, immediate needs, and financial stability.”

The lawmakers clarified that VA’s decision to delay the processing and disbursement of critical educational and housing benefits is a departure from the precedent set during previous government shutdowns. “… [U]nder the Obama and [previous] Trump Administrations, VA education benefits were processed and paid, ensuring student veterans could afford basic necessities, pay for housing, and remain enrolled in school.”

The lawmakers noted a discrepancy between this concerning VA operational shift and the VA website, which states that certain mandatory benefit payments will be processed as usual during a funding lapse. They further noted that the discrepancy would lead to “immediate financial distress” and “direct harm” to veterans, survivors, and their families.

“Veterans, survivors, and their families have earned these benefits, and their ability to seek higher education should not be impacted by this Administration during a Congressional funding dispute,” The lawmakers concluded. “We urge you to take immediate steps to restore these critical payments and expect a prompt, substantive response to this urgent matter.”

Please click here to read the full letter.

###

• Print
• Email
• Tweet