|||FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP RICK LARSEN|||
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) published ‘Listening to Veterans in Northwest Washington,’ a report capturing local veterans’ most pressing challenges and outlining policy recommendations for Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to address these concerns.
“The stories and perspectives shared by veterans in Washington state’s Second District underscore both the progress the federal government has made in serving veterans and the work that remains,” said Rep. Larsen. “The experience of veterans in Northwest Washington state makes clear that the nation’s commitment to its veterans must go beyond words and ceremonies. Congress must continue to ensure access to comprehensive health care, affordable housing, quality education and meaningful employment opportunities for veterans.”
In his time in Congress, Rep. Larsen has hosted more than 70 forums to hear directly from Northwest Washington state veterans about their needs. In September, he hosted roundtables in Everett, Bellingham, Burlington, Oak Harbor and Lummi Nation, which serve as the foundation of the report.
Rep. Larsen invited representatives from Puget Sound VA to attend September’s roundtables. In past years, these forums have provided valuable opportunities for VA staff to both hear directly from veterans in Northwest Washington state and to help connect veterans with VA benefits and services. Unfortunately, VA did not attend this year’s events.
“It is unfortunate that VA did not take the opportunity to hear directly from veterans about their concerns,” said Rep. Larsen. “While the local Puget Sound VA representatives continue to be great partners in serving the veterans of Northwest Washington state, VA leadership must make a stronger commitment to engaging with veterans directly, including through forums like these roundtables.”
Today, Rep. Larsen sent a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins summarizing September’s meetings and sharing a copy of the ‘Listening to Veterans in Northwest Washington State’ report.
In 2022, Congress passed the Honoring our PACT Act and made the largest expansion of veterans’ benefits in the nation’s history. As a result, the number of veterans receiving health care through VA has increased by 37 percent. Instead of hiring more staff to meet increased need, the Trump administration has cut approximately 30,000 employees from the VA workforce, including 2,000 registered nurses, 800 physicians and 500 social workers.
“Congress must oppose President Trump’s efforts to slash the VA workforce,” said Rep. Larsen. “Instead, we need to invest in more health care workers, administrative professionals and employment counselors to ensure veterans can receive high-quality care and benefits support.”
You can access Rep. Larsen’s report ‘Listening to Veterans in Northwest Washington’ HERE.
The full text of Rep. Larsen’s letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins is available HERE.
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