The federal government is now under a shutdown after Republican and Democratic congressional leaders failed to reach an agreement on funding by midnight. Texas Public Radio examined what the shutdown could mean for veterans across the region and throughout Texas. “Under the shutdown contingency plan outlined by the U-S Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will remain open.
Other VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, as well. Veteran call centers, including the Veterans Crisis Line, will continue to operate, as will suicide prevention programs and homelessness services. But the department will cease providing transition program assistance and career counseling. And V-A benefits regional offices will close. Texas is home to roughly a million and a half veterans, with more than 300,000 in the Houston area alone. For a complete listing of VA Contingency Planning click here.
