Luján, Senate Democrats Release Report Highlighting DOGE’s Deep Cuts to Veterans Benefits

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), along with Senate Democrats, released the following report on how President Trump, Elon Musk and DOGE are gutting the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and undermining benefits for New Mexico veterans:

The so-called Department of Government Efficiency has slashed the federal workforce, firing up to 6,000 veteran workers and decimating staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Over 2,400 VA staffers have been fired and DOGE announced plans to terminate 80,000 more. That’s one in five staffers that serve our nation’s heroes by getting them to appointments, providing lifesaving care, and helping them receive the benefits they’ve earned. The Veterans Health Administration serves over 9 million veterans annually in 1,380 VA health care facilities, making it the largest U.S. health care system. Any staffing reduction will adversely affect the timeliness and quality of care these service members receive.

“President Trump and Elon Musk are abandoning the brave men and women who serve our country – a profound betrayal of our nation’s heroes. I stand with Senate Democrats in demanding that the administration reverse course from gutting essential services and staff, and prioritize the well-being of our veterans and their families who depend on the VA,” said Senator Luján. “These heroes have sacrificed for our freedom and deserve far better care and respect. It’s our duty and honor to ensure that they receive the support and recognition they have rightfully earned.”  

In March, Senator Luján joined Senate Democrats in calling on the Trump administration to reverse its cancellation of 585 contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs, including those that help veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins access lifesaving health care. In February, Senator Luján joinedSenate Democrats in urging VA Secretary Doug Collins to immediately reinstate the more than 1,000 VA employees terminated last week who serve veterans and their families nationwide, including critical employees combatting veteran suicide working at the Veterans Crisis Line.

The report can be seen HERE. 

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