Wichita Standard

Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal has criticized the Trump Administration's decision to terminate the VA Servicing Purchase Program (VASP) as of May 1. The program, administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), assists veterans facing severe financial difficulties in avoiding foreclosure.

Blumenthal stated, “Eliminating a program that keeps veterans in their homes—when they face painful financial hardship—is an act of consummate cruelty and incompetence. Struggling with the invisible wounds of service like PTSD or toxic chemical exposure, many veterans may confront foreclosure and eviction. This program gives them last resort options to avoid the emotional and financial crisis that often leads to homelessness. Secretary Collins should be held accountable—called immediately before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee—and reverse this reprehensible misstep.”

Currently, the VASP program is unique in serving veterans under the threat of foreclosure, and it has supported approximately 15,000 veterans. The program has been essential in aiding over 17,000 veterans since its inception in 2024. The decision to cease adding new participants after May 1 has drawn concern about the potential impact on veterans who may face homelessness.

The VASP was developed as a final safety net for qualifying veterans and their families, particularly following the end of pandemic-related supports and amid rising interest rates that heightened default risks.

Blumenthal's statement calls for action to address what he terms a significant oversight in policy implementation. The issue is expected to attract further attention from the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.