FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 31, 2025
UMWA Denounces Lack of Veteran’s Health Care Funding, Calls for Reversal of Proposed VA Job Cuts
[TRIANGLE, VA.] United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts issued the following statement today expressing deep frustration over the failure of the latest continuing resolution to include critical funding for veterans’ health care.
“As a Vietnam veteran, I have witnessed firsthand the sacrifices made by those who have worn our nation’s uniform. Like many of my fellow veterans, I live with service-related health issues. But countless others lack access to the critical healthcare they need to survive. Cutting essential funding for these heroes is inexcusable. They served our country—now it’s our country’s duty to serve them.”
“This travesty is compounded by the Department of Government Expenditures (DOGE) proposal to cut 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This would be catastrophic. Cutting VA jobs means longer wait times, fewer resources, and reduced care for the very people who put everything on the line for this country. This decision would be detrimental to the well-being of those who have already sacrificed so much.
“I am calling on the administration and Congress to reconsider their positions regarding veterans. Our veterans upheld their oath to serve this nation, now this nation must uphold its commitment to them. The UMWA remains steadfast in its support for American veterans and urges lawmakers to prioritize funding and resources to ensure they receive the care they have rightfully earned.”
