Chris Pappas Questions Doug Collins on VASP Program and Manchester VA Services

Manchester VA Hospital Expansion

• 🏥 New Hampshire is the only contiguous state without a full-service VA hospital, leading to infrastructure issues at the Manchester VA Medical Center.
• 🗓️ An executive order directed a feasibility study for expanding services, with the study beginning this week.
• 🤝 The VA Secretary stated a commitment to engaging with New Hampshire stakeholders and veterans throughout this process.

VASP Program Termination

• ⚠️ Representative Pappas fundamentally disagrees with the VA's decision to end the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASP) program.
• 🗓️ Public notification of the VASP application stop date (May 1st) was posted on April 23rd, leaving little time for veterans.
• 🏠 A constituent, Daniel, a 100% service-disabled veteran, was caught in the unclear communication period, risking his home.

Concerns Over Communication and Support

• 💬 Pappas expressed that the VA Secretary's explanation was insufficient for constituents like Daniel, who are now uncertain about protecting their homes.
• 📉 The VASP program was stopped because it took funds from other programs and was not a congressional mandate.
• ❓ Pappas inquired about a potential foreclosure moratorium while Congress develops a partial claims program.

Disagreement on Stakeholder Agreement and VA Operations

• 🗣️ Pappas challenged the claim that all VA stakeholders agree with the VA's actions, citing veterans' disagreement with the abrupt VASP ending.
• 📉 Concerns were raised about veterans being put at risk of foreclosure, job losses for crisis line employees, and a stated goal to fire 83,000 workers.
• 🙏 Pappas urged for improved cooperation and leadership from the VA to better serve veterans and meet their needs.