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WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - As the Government Shutdown enters its 23rd day, Veterans across the nation are starting to feel the squeeze. Things like burial services and disability pay are being administered by an unpaid workforce. 16,000 separating service members are unable to receive VA briefings that assist with transition to civilian life. 900,000 VA education beneficiaries are unable to receive assistance. More than 100 thousand Veterans can’t receive counseling or case management services. VA Secretary Doug Collins assures the mains functions are still in place. “Health care system is working. We have free funds. We go into an advanced funding appropriated. Our clinics are operating,” said Collins. While the hospital is open, Navy Veteran Nathaniel Steward says the staffing shortages can definitely be felt. “They’re cutting back on medical help in the hospital,” said Steward. “How do you cut back the people that are helping the veterans that served this country? You’re cheating the veterans out of everything.” As Steward tries to navigate this new normal, he’s got a message for top brass. “President Trump, what are you doing? You don’t love American veterans with a reason your president You need to give it up on VA.”
