Rep. Latimer, Local and State Officials, Veterans’ Advocates Highlight Trump Admin’s Cuts to VA Staff

WHITE PLAINS, NY – U.S. Representative George Latimer (NY-16) was joined by Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, State Senator Shelley Mayer, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and local veterans’ advocates for a press conference next to the White Plains Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic today. The group was bringing attention to President Trump’s proposal to cut 83,000 VA staff by August. More than 2,000 VA staff have already been fired.

“When a young person joins the military, Americans make them a promise that we will take care of them, for the rest of their lives. That is why it is so perplexing, and frankly unconscionable, that the administration has proposed devastating cuts to VA healthcare and benefits,” said Rep. Latimer. “It’s the opposite of ‘thank you for your service.’ This is a slap in the face to those who have served.”

State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I stand with Congressman George Latimer, County Executive Ken Jenkins, veterans, and advocates to oppose the harmful cuts to Veterans Affairs (VA) services throughout our country and specifically in Westchester. We are forever indebted to those who answered the call to defend our nation and the Trump Administration's attack on veteran resources and services is utterly disgraceful. As a result of these devastating cuts, veterans will face longer wait times, increased costs, lower quality of care, and limited resources that they depend on. The Trump Administration is turning its back on those who sacrificed everything for us, but my colleagues and I will not do the same. Our veterans deserve not only better; they deserve the best.”

“Here in Westchester, many veterans proudly call this County home — and we do everything we can to support and protect them. The federal government should be doing the same. The flag that adorns their uniform should stand for care, honor, and commitment — not broken promises and budget cuts. These proposed staff reductions are not just numbers; they’re a direct threat to the wellbeing of those who’ve already given so much,” said County Executive Jenkins.

Elected officials from the NY State Assembly, Westchester County Legislature, and White Plains City government were also present.

The Trump Administration has proposed eliminating 83,000 staff who provide healthcare and benefits to veterans who have earned them. More than a quarter of VA staff are veterans themselves. In the last three years, VA has hired thousands of staff as it implements the historic Honoring our PACT Act, which was the largest expansion of healthcare and benefits for veterans in a generation. More than a million veterans and their families have received increased benefits thanks to this law, and half a million veterans now have access to VA healthcare.

In addition to staff cuts, VA has also announced it will no longer continue with the Veteran Affairs Servicing Program (VASP). This program was started to assist veterans and active-duty servicemembers who are facing foreclosure with VA-guaranteed home loans. If this program doesn’t continue, nearly 80,000 veterans could be at risk of foreclosure and homelessness.