From my first days in Congress, I have made working with veterans in Northwest Washington state a top priority. Through this partnership, we have made excellent progress. From bringing Community-Based Outpatient Clinics to Everett and Mount Vernon to reforming rural transportation benefits, every success has been because of the advocacy of local veterans.
Every two years, I host roundtables across Northwest Washington state to hear directly from veterans about what is working at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), what is not, and how Congress can do better. This fall, I met with veterans and service providers in Everett, Bellingham, Burlington, Oak Harbor and Lummi Nation.
Based on the conversations at these roundtables, this week I released a report that analyzes the challenges veterans in our region are facing and provides policy recommendations to address their concerns.
My report, “Listening to Veterans in Northwest Washington,” is based on the four pillars that guide my work for veterans in Congress:
1) Health Care: In 2022, I helped pass the Honoring Our PACT Act which extended VA health care and benefits to millions of veterans who were exposed to toxins during their service. As a result, VA is busier than ever. Studies and anecdotal evidence from Northwest Washington state veterans show that VA care is some of the best in the nation. As the veteran population expands and diversifies, VA and Congress must meet the moment. That means investing in the full spectrum of care, from mental health and women’s health to culturally competent care for Native veterans.
2) Housing: Washington continues to have one of the highest rates of veteran homelessness in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Programs like Housing and Urban Development – Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing and Supportive Services for Veteran Families have had tremendous success in Northwest Washington state. Congress must continue to expand these programs and find ways to keep veterans in their homes.
3) Education: Education and training opportunities are essential to ensuring that veterans can transition into civilian life after they leave the military. Postsecondary institutions across our region have veteran resource centers with trained staff to help student veterans navigate their VA educational benefits. Still, I heard from students and campus advisors that VA’s help line provides slow and inconsistent answers. Congress must invest in fully staffing this program to ensure student veterans can access their full range of benefits.
4) Employment: Every year, 200,000 women and men transition from U.S. military service to civilian life. Programs like Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) Counseling provide disabled veterans with job coaching and placements. However, the backlog for this program is staggering, with some unable to reach their VR&E Counselors altogether. Congress must invest in proven programs like VR&E to ensure veterans can access meaningful employment.
In order for veterans to have access to timely, quality health care, stable and affordable housing, educational opportunities and employment that provides for a smooth transition to civilian life, VA must have proper staffing to process claims and deliver care.
Unfortunately, since January, VA has lost about 30,000 employees because of the Trump administration’s mass firings, early retirements, and limited recruitment. VA should be focused on shortening wait times and reducing backlogs, and to do that, VA needs more staff, not fewer.
I remain committed to holding VA and the Trump administration accountable to meeting the needs of veterans of Northwest Washington state.
One last thing: if you or anyone you know is having issues with VA, their service branch or any other federal agency, my office may be able to help. Please reach out to the Everett office at (425) 252-3188 or fill out a privacy release form on my website at larsen.house.gov.
U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, D-Everett, represents Washington’s Second Congressional District, which includes part of Snohomish County and all of Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan counties. If you or someone you know needs assistance, Rep. Larsen’s office may be able to connect you with services in your community. Please contact Rep. Larsen’s district office at 425-252-3188.
