Today marks the 95th anniversary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, established to honor America's promise to be there for those who served. What should be a day of celebration has become a day of reckoning for over 440,000 Michigan veterans who rely on vital Veteran Affairs (VA) services. Over 36,000 veterans in Congressman Tom Barrett's district and over 27,000 veterans in Congressman John James's district are watching their representatives—both veterans themselves—fail to defend the institution that once defended America and instead prioritize the health and wealth of America’s ultra-rich. Vital services like SNAP and Medicaid are now expected to face steep cuts, which puts vulnerable veterans in an even worse position for the imminent future.
“As we commemorate 95 years of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the contrast in attention from our electeds for veterans and the ultra-rich is stark. While the ultra-wealthy receive a boom in tax breaks, Michigan's veterans face an uncertain future without promised assistance,” said Michigan resident and veteran, Joel Rutherford. “Representatives Barrett and James have forgotten their sacred obligation to veterans, choosing instead to serve the Trump administration and the top 0.1% over those who served our country.”
“Things are getting very scary for working class people, especially veterans. Congress is taking people’s health care away, and making access to food even harder for Michiganders with low income,” said MI-10 resident and veteran Ron Smith. “Our economy isn’t going to get better by sacrificing hundreds of thousands of people, but given how they are voting, Representative James and Barrett don’t see it that way. It is beyond disappointing.”
“This year, Rep. Barrett routinely avoided town halls, ducking invitations from veterans. Rep. James has similarly denied repeated invitations to public forums. I can understand why, it is hard to show your face when you’re ripping off veterans and their families.” said Michigan Families for Fair Care Executive Director Steve Lawson. “When it comes to voting for legislation that guts health care services, nutrition programs, Rep. Barrett and Rep. James never fail to show up, but when facing their constituents, they are nowhere to be found.”
