Rep. Jim Costa, 65 Democrats Demand Answers from VA Secretary as Trump’s Cuts Threaten Veterans Crisis Line

WASHINGTON - Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) joined 65 House Democrats in sending a forceful letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins condemning the Administration’s reckless dismantling of the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL), a suicide prevention lifeline that has handled over 8.4 million calls since its launch in 2007.

The letter follows the Administration’s abrupt termination of more than 2,400 VA employees, with plans to cut an additional 83,000 positions, including critical staff supporting the Veterans Crisis Line. The lawmakers are demanding immediate reinstatement of VCL staff and a halt to policies that could disrupt care for veterans nationwide.

“These reckless, abrupt actions against the VCL are coming at a time when veterans, who make up one-third of the federal employee workforce, are facing more uncertainty than ever. Research indicates that individuals facing job and income loss are at higher risk of suicidal ideation,” wrote the lawmakers.

The lawmakers further wrote, “Many veterans have been caught up in the recent firings and are facing difficult situations as they try to figure out how to provide for themselves and their families. This is no time to be jeopardizing VCL operations, and the carelessness with which VA has been carrying out President Trump’s orders is placing the VCL at risk.”

BACKGROUND

California is home to the largest veteran population in the country, with over 1.6 million veterans, including tens of thousands in the San Joaquin Valley. According to the California Department of Public Health, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among veterans, particularly in rural counties like Fresno, Tulare, and Kings, which suffer from provider shortages and limited mental health infrastructure.

The Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, Press 1) is a 24/7, confidential service connecting veterans in crisis and their families with specially trained responders, many of whom are veterans themselves. The service has expanded in recent years to include text, chat, and mobile app access, providing vital, modernized outreach to younger veterans and those in underserved areas.

View the full letter HERE.