U.S. Senator John Boozman, representing Arkansas and serving as Chairman of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, conducted a hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The session focused on the department’s financial requests and included discussions with VA Secretary Doug Collins about renewing a mental health program aimed at suicide prevention in veteran communities.
In his opening statement, Senator Boozman discussed several key aspects of the proposed budget. He emphasized the impact of the PACT Act on veterans, noting its significant changes and increased enrollments. “The PACT Act has certainly been a dramatic change for veterans,” Boozman stated. He highlighted that this year’s budget request includes over $22 billion due to the creation of the Toxic Exposure Fund.
Boozman also addressed concerns about the Electronic Medical Records program, pointing out that taxpayers have invested over $12 billion into it. “It’s time to start seeing a return on this investment,” he asserted.
The senator urged Secretary Collins to detail his strategy for addressing high suicide rates among veterans. “I know something that’s very important to you is veteran suicide,” Boozman remarked, stressing bipartisan concern over the issue.
Secretary Collins acknowledged the ongoing challenge, citing unchanged statistics since 2008 regarding veteran suicides. “What has happened since 2008 is a number that’s not really changed: 17 to 22 veterans taking their own life [daily],” Collins said.
Collins highlighted programs like the Fox Grant Program as vital efforts in reaching unregistered veterans and providing support. “Ninety-five organizations have been a part of that and they’re reaching out and helping veterans who are not enrolled in our system,” he explained.
The Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program was established under the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act but is set to expire in 2025. Senator Boozman has advocated for its continuation and expansion while urging an evaluation of its effectiveness from the VA.
