On Memorial Day

This Memorial Day, our community gathered to honor the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Just as important is our responsibility to be there for those who did come home.

Over the last few years, we’ve made real progress in honoring our veterans’ service. With bipartisan support, Congress passed the PACT Act and the COMPACT Act—landmark laws that are finally delivering the care and benefits our veterans have earned. From expanding coverage for toxic exposure to ensuring crisis support for those at risk of suicide, these laws are saving lives.

That’s why it is unfortunate that since the beginning of his presidency, Donald Trump has gone after veterans who transitioned from military service into critical jobs across our federal government. The President has already fired more than 6,000 of these veteran workers and has begun firing 83,000 VA staff.

The media has reported that some of those fired worked for the veteran suicide hotline. Our veterans have a 57 percent higher risk of suicide than those who haven’t served. A veteran who visited my office in Washington, D.C., recently said that for a veteran in crisis, the person answering the phone at the VA might be just as important as a doctor.

It’s unconscionable that this Administration is gutting services that literally save lives. The stakes are too high for our veterans right now. If you or a veteran you know needs help accessing health care or other benefits, please contact my nearest office. I promise to keep raising my voice in this fight for our veterans. Please keep raising yours.

— Congressman Mike Thompson