CVA Calls Out Senate Democrats for Shutdowns that Put Veterans’ Lives At Risk

ARLINGTON, Va. ― The House of Representatives recently released the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026. This legislation includes Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 extensions for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure critical VA functions continue beyond October 1, 2025. The Senate has rejected this bill and now the federal government has shutdown. Veterans, especially those with service-connected disabilities, the elderly, or experiencing homelessness, are now at risk.  

 CVA Executive Director John Vick last week urged Congress to prevent government shutdowns and endorsed the bill’s extension provisions to ensure vulnerable Americans, including members of the veteran community, don’t lose the lifesaving benefits they earned.  In response to the shutdown, he issued the following statement:  

“This government shutdown could be catastrophic for the veteran community, especially the most vulnerable among us, including vets who with service-connected disabilities, the elderly, and homeless. The VA exists to keep the government’s promise to provide care for our nation’s heroes. If these extensions are not passed, it will halt the VA’s ability to deliver these vital services to veterans and their families, potentially preventing thousands of veterans from life-saving care.  

First, the Senate must pass the Continuing Resolution and end this shutdown to ensure vulnerable Americans including veterans have continued lifesaving health care.

Further, Congress must end future threats of shutdowns through permanent solutions like the Preventing Government Shutdowns Act.  This will allow Congress to focus on tackling the real priorities: cutting waste, practicing fiscal responsibility, and advancing policies that expand opportunity and prosperity for all Americans ― including veterans and military families who continue to safeguard America’s interests.

CVA urges Senate Democrats to end this shutdown and to work with The House of Representatives to take shutdowns off the table. Government shutdowns don’t solve problems ― they make them worse. We’re calling on all lawmakers to do the right thing, for veterans and for America.”

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