National cemeteries will not be maintained during the shutdown of government; the Department of Veterans Affairs has confirmed in a social media post.
Why It Matters
The U.S. government shutdown after the Senate adjourned on the evening of Tuesday, September 30, without having passed a funding resolution.
Leaders from both sides of the political aisle sought to avoid a shutdown but struggled to reach a deal on the temporary funding bill, known as a continuing resolution (CR). Democrats are looking to extend health care tax credits, which are set to expire, and a rollback of Medicaid cuts as part of their negotiations. Republicans have not agreed to a proposal. The House passed a stopgap bill, but it stalled in the Senate.
This marks the first shutdown since a 35-day shutdown, which began in 2018 and lasted until 2019.
What To Know
In a post on X, Veterans Affairs shared which services will be impacted by the shutdown, and confirmed that national cemeteries will not be maintained.
The following services are impacted by the government shutdown:
Veteran career counseling or transition assistance program activities
The GI Bill Hotline will close
The VA regional benefits office will close
Public affairs and outreach to veterans by the VA will cease
VA will not maintain the grounds at national cemeteries or place headstones
The VA will not be processing applications for pre-need burrials
The VA will not be printing new presidential memorial certificates
The following services are not impacted by the government shutdown:
Veteran health care will not be impacted
Veteran benefits will continue to be processed
Burials will continue at national cemeteries
The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will continue to make decisions on Veterans’ cases
The following contact centers will remain open 24/7: VA Contact Center, Veterans Crisis Line
What People Are Saying
Kamala Harris said on X: “President Trump and Congressional Republicans just shut down the government because they refused to stop your health care costs from rising. Let me be clear: Republicans are in charge of the White House, House, and Senate. This is their shutdown.”
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune said at a news conference: “The Democrat caucus here in town in the Senate has chosen to shut down the government over a clean nonpartisan funding bill. That’s right—a clean, nonpartisan funding bill.”
The account @SeniorChief79, responding to the VA’s post on X: “Veterans, service members and those who care and work for veterans should never have to stress or worry about a “Government shutdown.” And for all of you working without pay I want to truly say thank you for your commitment, compassion and everything you do.”
What’s Next
The Senate will not be in session on Thursday in observance of Yom Kippur, but is expected to return on Friday.