VA Secretary Doug Collins Reaffirms Veterans’ Benefits Are Not Being Cut

By Rebecca Wallis

Yamhill County, OR – March 19, 2025

In Oregon and locally, some elected officials have been spreading rumors that VA benefits will be cut and that veterans will be losing their jobs, leading to mass layoffs of veterans. However, VA Secretary Doug Collins is setting the record straight. In a February 20 video message, Collins strongly refuted these claims, calling them outright falsehoods designed to mislead the public.

“You know we’re doing things differently here at the VA,” Collins said. “We’re putting veterans number one back at the VA. That may be a little different than what we’ve seen in the past, but this is why we’re doing it.” Collins specifically addressed three major claims circulating about the VA, calling them “Whoppers” being pushed by political figures.

VA Healthcare Remains Strong

One of the rumors Collins debunked was the claim that VA healthcare services were being reduced. “Whopper number one going out—the VA healthcare is going to suffer. Nothing could be further from the truth,” Collins said. “In fact, what we’ve done is actually strengthen VA healthcare and VA benefits.” To reinforce this commitment, Collins noted that the VA has taken concrete steps to protect veterans’ care by safeguarding critical positions. “We blocked off 300,000 positions and said they’re not going to be touched. They’re mission critical. Why? Because our veterans are mission critical,” he emphasized.

Veterans’ Benefits Are Secure

Collins also dismissed concerns that veterans’ benefits are being cut, calling the claim “Whopper number two.” “I’ve told you they’re not. I’ve tried to tell you this before. This one’s like a Whopper with no tomato—it just doesn’t fit,” he said. Instead of cuts, Collins explained that his administration has reallocated nearly $98 million to enhance veterans’ care. “We took almost $98 million that was being spent elsewhere and put it toward veterans’ care and veteran-facing services. Those are the kind of things we’re doing. So it’s not being cut,” he stated.

Federal budget figures support Collins’ assertion. Despite claims of budget reductions, the proposed FY 2025 VA budget is actually higher than the current budget.

• Current Budget (FY 2024, Extended into FY 2025):

  • The VA’s enacted budget for FY 2024 remains operational under the “Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025” (H.R. 10545).
  • Total funding: $328.1 billion, including $135.9 billion in discretionary funding (healthcare, operations) and $192.2 billion in mandatory funding (disability compensation, pensions).
  • Additional funds include $24.5 billion from the Toxic Exposures Fund (PACT Act-related costs) and $3 billion in emergency benefits supplements (Public Law 118-82).
  • Source: VA Budget Office – FY 2024 Budget.

• Proposed FY 2025 Budget:

  • The President’s FY 2025 VA budget request is $369.3 billion, a 12.3% increase over FY 2024 to expand healthcare and benefits.
  • This includes $134 billion in discretionary funding and $235.3 billion in mandatory funding (PACT Act-related benefits remain funded).
  • Even under a lower proposal, the VA budget would still exceed $337–340 billion, meaning funding levels are not decreasing but increasing.
  • Source: VA Budget Office – FY 2025 Budget Proposal.

Veteran Crisis Line Responders Remain in Place

A particularly serious claim Collins refuted was the idea that the VA had laid off personnel responsible for answering the Veterans Crisis Line. “Whopper number three—this one I want you to really listen to. The VA is laying off people who answer the Veteran Crisis Line? That is wrong,” Collins asserted. He made it clear that the Crisis Line remains fully staffed and operational. “We did not—hear me clearly—lay off any Veteran Crisis Line responders. They’re still picking up the phone. They’re still talking to you. And they’re going to be. Why? Because I said so. That’s why. Because the Secretary of VA puts a priority on veterans,” he said.

A Commitment to Efficiency, Not Cuts

Collins also credited former President Donald Trump for focusing on government efficiency to improve services without reductions. “You’ve been talking about efficiencies in government for a while up here. Even Bill Clinton talked about it. Obama talked about it. But you know who did it? President Trump. President Trump’s looking for efficiency so that we can do our job better,” Collins stated. Collins concluded his statement by urging veterans to rely on official sources for accurate information. “When you want the truth, come to me. Not the Whopper line up on Capitol Hill,” he said.

Editor’s note: Oregon representatives, Senate leaders, and some non-partisan left-leaning local officials are pushing a narrative that is creating fear and panic among veterans in the community. We will continue to publish accurate information sourced directly from official VA statements and budget documents.

Photo Credit: Yamhill County News file