ICYMI: Kelly Joins Veterans on Capitol Hill to Speak Out Against Trump Administration’s Attacks on the VA

“We want to make it loud and clear that the VA is not for sale”

This week, Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly joined Common Defense and other veterans and advocates at a Capitol Hill press conference to speak out against the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs and mass layoffs of veteran federal workers.  

“You shouldn’t have to come to DC to fight for your jobs, for your healthcare, for basic dignity. As a combat veteran myself, I know firsthand the sacrifices service members make—and we do it proudly —but we do expect our government will have our back years after our service to this great country. But right now, this administration—the Trump administration—has turned its back on veterans,” said Kelly in his remarks.  

Kelly shared stories he’s heard from veterans both in Washington and back home in Arizona who are fearful about the future of the VA and the life-saving services that might get cut. 

“I’m hearing from veterans every single day. They come into my office, and they tell me how they have been fired from their federal jobs, even after receiving excellent performance reports. One of them told me that the day after we met in my office, he was going to start a minimum wage job. This is because this guy—who was a disabled veteran had three children, and he needed to figure out how to put food on the table. And do you know how many of these veterans found out they lost their jobs? They found out Via an email, from an unelected billionaire named Elon Musk. A guy who doesn’t care that he’s destroying people’s lives.” 

Kelly continued: “The VA provides critical services to veterans. So, instead of weakening it, our government should be working on ways to improve these services. And arbitrarily firing tens of thousands of VA employees won’t make it work better. This full-scale, full-on attack on the VA is putting lives at risk, so we have to fight back, and we have to fight back together as a team focused on a vision.” 

“This country made a promise to veterans that, after your service, you would be treated with respect, and you would get the support that you have earned. And that promise didn’t come with an expiration date. So, folks, I take this promise as seriously as anybody possibly can. And I stand here with you today on behalf of Arizona’s 500,000 veterans and veterans across the country. And I’ll keep fighting to make sure that promise stays a reality.” Kelly concluded.  

Click here to watch and download Kelly’s remarks. Click here here to watch the full press conference.