Vermont’s senators are sounding the alarm as a veterans outreach program serving service members and families across the Green Mountain State faces imminent shutdown due to lack of federal funding.

“I have begun to sunset the program; we will only take on veteran issues if I deem them to be short-term solutions. I am hopeful that our [congressional delegation] will be able to turn this around as this program is invaluable….” Vermont Veterans and Family Outreach Program Manager Andre Wing said in a May 28 social media post.

Sens. Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch wrote a letter to the Department of Defense on Wednesday, urging Secretary Pete Hegseth to restore funding for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BYR) programs — a nationwide network of support services that includes Vermont’s Veterans and Family Outreach Program.

The program, which began in 2007 with funding secured by Sanders, operates 12 locations across the state and runs a 24-hour crisis line, offering assistance with mental health, substance use, housing, employment, and benefits navigation. Unless action is taken, it will be forced to close its doors by the end of the month.

The senators’ letter criticizes Congressional Republicans for failing to include the $22 million the Senate had proposed for BYR in the final budget resolution. That decision left the fate of the program up to the Department of Defense, which has so far declined to provide funding for fiscal year 2025.

In addition to Sanders and Welch, Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith of Minnesota, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and Alex Padilla of California also signed onto the appeal.

The Vermont Veterans and Family Outreach Program has received national recognition and served as a model for other states. Its outreach workers collaborate with local governments, clergy, healthcare providers, and community organizations to assist veterans — especially in rural regions of the state where access to federal services can be limited.

Without renewed funding, similar programs in 24 other states including New Hampshire are also at risk of closure.

“The Department of Defense must act swiftly,” said Sen. Welch. “Vermont has shown what works. Letting these programs vanish would abandon the very people who have given so much to protect our freedoms.”

The letter calls on Secretary Hegseth to use his authority to provide emergency funding for the rest of the fiscal year and to collaborate with Congress to ensure the programs are included in the FY 2026 budget.

Story Written by Guy Page, Vermont Daily Chronicle

Story Link: https://vermontdailychronicle.com/sanders-welch-urge-hegseth-to-save-vt-veterans-support-program/