Veterans Group Issues Warning To Congress

As Washington faces a looming government shutdown, America’s veterans are sounding the alarm. Several leading veterans groups are urgently calling on Congress to protect life-saving programs for those who served our nation — before it’s too late.

Four major organizations — The American Legion, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Mission Roll Call — are united in urging lawmakers to approve a short-term spending bill known as a Continuing Resolution (CR). The measure, already passed by the Republican-led House, includes critical funding extensions for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that directly impact veterans’ health care, housing, and suicide prevention efforts.

“Congress must act immediately to ensure the VA can continue delivering life-saving services to veterans and their families,” said AMVETS. “Looking ahead, Congress must focus on stable, long-term funding to give the VA the resources it needs to best serve those who sacrificed for our freedom.”

Programs at Risk If Congress Fails to Act

The veterans groups warned that without action, essential programs will be disrupted — putting thousands of veterans at risk. These include:

• Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program – provides urgent mental health support to combat the ongoing veteran suicide crisis.
• Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program – offers shelter and medical care for veterans struggling on the streets.
• Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program – helps prevent veteran homelessness by providing financial and housing assistance.

The American Legion, representing 1.6 million members nationwide, stressed that these programs “are not bureaucratic red tape — they are lifelines for our heroes and their families.”

Democrats and Republicans Remain Deeply Divided

The shutdown deadline hits Tuesday at midnight, yet Democrats and Republicans remain at a standstill.

• Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) have refused to back the House-passed bill, putting veterans’ services in jeopardy.
• Some Democrats, like Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), have quietly reached out to GOP lawmakers to explore possible compromise solutions.
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) warned that Democrats must drop their demand for $1.2 trillion in extra health care spending if they want to avoid a shutdown.

Adding to the tension, President Donald Trump rejected a last-minute request from Schumer and Jeffries to negotiate directly, leaving Democrats with few options and increasing the pressure on both sides.

“Every day of partisan delay means more veterans living on the streets, families waiting for benefits, and lives lost to suicide,” the Vietnam Veterans of America warned. “We call on leaders of both parties to put aside political games and work with the President to keep the government open.”

What Happens to Veterans If the Government Shuts Down

Even if the government closes, some VA services will remain active, but many will face serious disruptions.
✅ Still Operating:

• Veterans’ pensions and disability checks will continue.
• 24/7 Veterans Crisis Line will remain open.
• VA hospitals and emergency care will continue serving patients.

❌ Temporarily Halted:

• GI Bill Hotline for education benefits.
• VA regional benefits offices handling claims and appeals.
• Other key support services for veterans and families.

The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

With just hours left before the shutdown deadline, veterans’ organizations are united in their plea: keep the government open and prioritize America’s heroes.

Failure to act will not only create chaos in Washington but also jeopardize the lives of veterans who depend on these programs every single day.

“This is about more than politics — it’s about keeping our promises to those who served,” said the American Legion. “Congress must do its duty and protect the men and women who defended our nation.”

Bottom Line

This showdown isn’t just another Washington fight — it’s about whether veterans will continue to receive the care and services they earned through their sacrifice.

Republicans have acted to safeguard these programs. Now it’s up to Democrats to put aside partisan politics and stand with America’s heroes.