Hey everybody, it’s Ruben.

I’m sick of the way Trump and Elon Musk are treating the VA and the millions of Veterans who depend on it. I’m sick of getting a brick wall from the VA Secretary when I ask for answers. And I am not going to sit by while they finalize plans to fire more than 80,000 VA staff — 15% of the workforce.

I am going to block every nominee to the VA that the Trump administration puts forward until they back off their plans to destroy it. It has to stop before they push Veterans past the breaking point.

When I voted to confirm Doug Collins as VA Secretary, it was out of hope that we could collaborate and continue working to support the VA and the services it provides to Veterans. I knew Collins from the House, and while we disagreed on many things we still found common ground — especially for Veterans. There’s a lot we can do to improve the VA, and I think it’s important we pursue that.

Since then, I’ve seen the VA fire thousands of staff. From research to treatment to casework to services — even the Veterans Crisis Line, which is a resource for Veterans who are at the end of their rope. Several guys I served with in the Marines have taken their lives, alongside far too many others. And when I ask Collins and his office for answers, I get virtually nothing of substance in return.

Collins says they can cut VA staff by 15% — more than 80,000 people doing important jobs — and not impact services. I call bullsh*t on that. I’ve used the VA. I’ve fought for care and accountability at the VA. Many friends of mine depend on the VA. And there is no way you can cut that many staff without impacting Veterans’ benefits. No way.

That’s why I’m blocking their nominees. Whatever tool I have to fight this, to fix this, I’m going to use it. This is one of the few tools I have to put pressure on Trump, Elon, and Collins. If I can make a difference, I have to try.

I appreciate you taking the time to let me explain this.

Until next time, Semper Fi.

Ruben


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