Wichita Standard

Senators Richard Blumenthal, Angus King, and Patty Murray have urged the Trump Administration to extend a pause in discharges for legacy caregivers enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) caregivers program. This call comes amid concerns that without action, thousands of caregivers and veterans could lose significant benefits by September 30, 2025.

The Senators wrote to VA Secretary Collins requesting an extension of the pause in discharges for those enrolled in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) on or before September 30, 2020. They noted that "no information has been provided about how the current Administration plans to proceed with this rulemaking process."

The Senators expressed concern over transparency regarding cuts to VA care and benefits. They highlighted that recent actions by the Trump Administration, including staffing reductions aimed at returning levels to Fiscal Year 2019 numbers, could impact the Caregiver Support Program (CSP). The program's participation has more than doubled since then due to the MISSION Act expansion.

They emphasized that reducing CSP staff would hinder its ability to maintain current support levels. "If CSP staff are cut to your target levels," they stated, "the program would simply not be able to maintain the current level of support provided."

Additionally, they pointed out that recent cuts have affected services such as the Caregivers Support Line by limiting access through reduced hours.

The letter underscores ongoing changes since Congress enacted PCAFC in 2010 and stresses maintaining transparency and adequate resources for CSP. It also highlights President Biden’s Executive Order aiming at increasing access and supporting caregivers.