VA Research At Risk
Military and veterans leaders released a statement calling for immediate exemptions to protect and safeguard veterans research.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Research Program is facing significant challenges, including a federal hiring freeze, workforce reductions, and funding cuts, which threaten its ability to serve veterans. These constraints risk delaying vital research, such as clinical trials for cancer, suicide prevention, and opioid withdrawal. In just 90 days, over $35 million in research funding and the expertise of hundreds of researchers are at risk.
Veterans’ organizations and experts, including Senator Elizabeth Dole and Randy Reese of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), emphasize the importance of VA research in improving veterans' health and driving broader medical innovations. VA research not only benefits veterans but also contributes to advances in areas like traumatic brain injury, mental health, and spinal cord injury.
Veterans like Robert Baker highlight the life-changing impact of VA research on their health. Advocates warn that disrupting this research could have severe consequences, urging policymakers to act urgently to protect and sustain vital healthcare for veterans.
Read the full release here.