Vasquez Listens to Veteran Concerns at South Valley Roundtable

On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.-02) convened a roundtable discussion with South Valley veterans to address pressing issues facing New Mexico veterans. Participants voiced their concerns regarding health care costs and VA accessibility, suicide prevention and the need to protect veterans from predatory groups seeking to profit from veterans seeking assistance with federal agencies. Rep. Vasquez remains committed to advocating for the benefits veterans have earned and addressing their needs.

“We owe an immense debt to our veterans, and it's our duty to ensure they receive the benefits they've earned. Hosting this roundtable was an important step to address the challenges they face and delivering for veterans with action, not just lip service,” said Vasquez. “I’m proud to champion bills such as the GUARD VA Benefits Act, the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act and the BRAVE Act to provide tangible solutions that support veterans and their families. Their dedication to service is deserving of nothing less.”

During the discussion, Rep. Vasquez highlighted the problematic trend of predatory veterans’ assistance organizations that charge exorbitant service fees. That’s why he’s championing the GUARD VA Benefits Act, which protects veterans from predatory groups seeking to financially exploit them.

Veterans and stakeholders also spoke about the lack of Veteran Service Officers in rural communities. Rep. Vasquez is a co-sponsor of the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach (CVSO) Act, which authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide grants to states and Indian tribes to implement programs that improve outreach and assistance to veterans and their families to ensure that such individuals are fully informed about veterans’ benefits and programs.

Rep. Vasquez recognizes the importance of addressing mental health issues among veterans and reducing veteran suicide rates. He is a proud co-sponsor of the BRAVE Act, which provides crucial mental health resources and services to veterans who have experienced traumatic or stressful events.

The roundtable discussion underscored Rep. Vasquez’s dedication to serving those who have served our nation.

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