Congressman Vicente Gonzalez Pens Letter to VA Secretary Expressing Concern Over Impending Cuts

August 19, 2025 Press Release Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez announced that he sent a letter to Douglas A. Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, raising serious concerns over the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ (VA) plan to “voluntarily” reduce their workforce by 30,000 employees through the end of September 2025. The Congressman highlighted the potentially devastating effects these cuts could have on veterans in the Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend, where access to VA healthcare is limited. "Veterans in our community face significant barriers to access care, with many traveling nearly 300 miles to the nearest VA hospital in San Antonio. Any reduction in VA workforce threatens to exacerbate already long wait times and jeopardize essential services,” wrote Congressman Gonzalez. You can read the full letter HERE. The proud son of a Korean War Veteran and Merchant Marine, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez is deeply committed to ensuring South Texas veterans and personnel at Naval Air Station Kingsville receive the best care in a timely and efficient manner. Issues : Veterans & Our Military