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Congressman Pat Ryan is calling on President Trump's administration to restore funding that supports homeless veterans. Ryan, who served in Iraq, argues that the proposed budget cuts could force 1,500 formerly homeless veterans in New York back onto the streets. According to Ryan's office, these cuts threaten to undo years of progress in reducing veteran homelessness in the state.
Ryan described the cuts as "despicable" and urged his Congressional colleagues to oppose what he sees as an attack on the nation's heroes. He emphasized the importance of fulfilling the country's duty to care for veterans who have sacrificed for American freedom. In a letter to President Trump, Ryan demanded the administration revoke the proposal to significantly cut funding for permanent supportive housing assistance for veterans.
The proposed budget would collapse multiple housing programs into one, cutting $532 million and introducing a two-year limit on assistance. This change could end federal support for permanent supportive housing as it currently exists. The cuts also impose new cost-sharing requirements on housing organizations and eliminate funding for critical homelessness data collection efforts.
The Daily Freeman reported that Ryan is working with Senator Schumer and local housing partners to demand immediate action to prevent veterans and families from losing their homes. They are calling on HUD Secretary Scott Turner to fulfill Congress's intent on the funding appropriated and begin the contract renewal process for homeless service providers.
Ryan's efforts come as the nation faces a housing crisis, with federal cuts threatening the stability of vulnerable populations. The Hudson Valley, where Ryan's district is located, is particularly affected, with dozens of veterans and families at risk of eviction.