According to a memo obtained by Government Executive, the Trump administration is planning to cut as many as 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—an agency that provides health care to millions of veterans, including nearly 700,000 Virginians.

Virginia has the third-highest share of veteran residents in the country. With the VA responsible for providing not only medical care, but also benefits, student loans, mental health services, critical research efforts, and reintegration support, the loss of thousands of staff members will only deepen the challenges veterans already face. Will Virginia Republicans finally stand up for our veterans and oppose these proposed cuts?

“The Trump administration’s proposed cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs are an unacceptable betrayal of the brave Virginians who have served our country,” said DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker. “These cuts will only worsen the struggles our veterans already face and put their health and well-being at risk. It is disgraceful that Virginia Republicans are standing idly by this administration while our veterans are being left behind. They should be fighting tooth and nail to protect the heroes who deserve our support.”