The Fox News Rundown How Military Families Are Being Impacted By The Shutdown This Veterans Day
Nov 11, 2025
Doug Collins, the 12th U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, sheds light on how the government shutdown is affecting military families, including delayed pay and halted services. He also discusses initiatives for homeless veterans and mental health outreach. Joining him is Joel Berner, a Senior Economist at Realtor.com, who analyzes the implications of a proposed 50-year mortgage aimed at making homeownership more affordable, while cautioning on its long-term financial impacts. The conversation emphasizes the struggles and solutions for veterans and housing affordability.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Clinical Services Stayed Open, Outreach Slowed
- VA hospitals and clinics remain open and staff are being paid despite the shutdown.
- However, regional offices closed and one-on-one services slowed, creating downstream harm for veterans seeking benefits or career help.
Ask Congress, Not VA Staff, For Answers
- Be patient: VA staff will ramp up quickly once funding returns and will work extra to reduce backlogs.
- Contact your members of Congress to express frustration about funding delays instead of blaming VA employees.
Cemetery Services Cut During Shutdown
- The shutdown forced cancellations and reduced supports at VA cemeteries because cemetery employees weren't paid.
- Collins asked community groups to provide things like chairs and traffic control if needed, since VA couldn't under the shutdown.