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Throughout the discussion, Secretary Collins reiterated his commitment to doing everything possible amid the shutdown to support veterans’ health, benefits, and reintegration. He expressed optimism that better days are ahead but underscored the urgency of resolving the shutdown to prevent further hardships.
By framing the shutdown as a political choice rather than an unavoidable circumstance, Collins urged lawmakers to prioritize national service and responsibility over partisan conflicts. The message was clear: while some acts of kindness showcase America's best qualities, political inaction threatens to undermine the very fabric of national support systems meant to serve those who have given so much for the country.