ROTTERDAM, N.Y. – Congressman Paul Tonko and Senator Patricia Fahy were joined by elected officials, veterans, and community members to demand the reversal of a decision to close the Schenectady VA Clinic in the Town of Rotterdam. The coalition also released a letter penned to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs raising serious concerns over the for closing the clinic and demands the reversal of the decision to close the clinic. Furthermore, the letter demands an explanation and response from Director DeLancey.

There are more than 7,000 veterans in Schenectady County alone who are eligible to receive healthcare provided at the VA, and it serves more than 1,500 every year. Disturbingly, this decision comes on the heels of the Trump administration’s actions that have led to significant funding cuts for the VA, an across-the-board staffing reduction of more than 6%, and disruptions to care and services in almost every state.

A letter sent to veterans who utilize the clinic notes that neighboring VA facilities are absorbing the patient population from Schenectady. This is deeply troubling for many veterans living in Schenectady County and who rely on the services provided by the VA. Forcing veterans to travel further to new locations makes these critical services less accessible, and potentially moving their appointments to Clifton Park or Albany is not a feasible long-term solution, particularly for those with disabilities, those who can no longer drive or with limited access to transportation, and those who rely on caregivers and others to facilitate their care.

In particular, the proposed closure will have a disproportionate impact on veterans in rural and suburban communities outside of the City of Schenectady and often face travel times in excess of 30 minutes or more. For example, 1 hour of travel time translates to a 10% increase in higher personal costs and 14% in higher total spending, according to the National Institute of Health.

“The closure of the Schenectady VA Clinic is an affront to those who sacrificed everything for this country and runs contradictory to our shared commitment to caring for all of our veterans when they return home,” said Senator Patricia Fahy. “Schenectady County veterans should not have to travel further or pay more to access the basic services afforded to them after their service is complete. Our community will not be silent while this federal administration rips away healthcare from veterans at a time when access to quality, affordable healthcare is dwindling. Our message is clear: reverse this decision and continue to serve the Schenectady County veterans and meet them where they are in our community.”

“Our veterans have sacrificed so much to protect our country and our freedoms,” said Congressman Paul Tonko. “The very least they deserve is access to the quality, affordable care they’ve earned — and the decision to close the Schenectady VA Clinic is a glaring failure to hold up our end of the bargain. At a time when drastic federal cuts have made health care less accessible and affordable for individuals and families across the nation, the closure of this clinic would make it even more difficult for our veterans to access the care they need. That’s why I was proud to stand alongside members of our community today in strong opposition to this closure, and I’ll continue to urge local and national VA leadership to reverse this disastrous outcome.” 

“As a Rotterdam resident, I know this clinic is a lifeline for veterans in our community, and I’ve been working directly with local, state, and federal partners to protect access to care close to home,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “I’ve reached out to VA leadership, requested a meeting, and filed a federal records request to hold the VA accountable for this decision and its impact on the veterans we serve. As someone who served in the U.S. Army Reserve, I take this personally—our veterans deserve clear answers and continued access to care in their community. I’ll continue working until this decision is reversed.”

“The Veterans Administration has had a storied history in American life,” said Assemblymember Phil Steck. “In 1945, President Truman appointed the famous World War II General Omar Bradley to head the VA, and his reputation as an advocate for our troops continued. On the other hand, the Trump administration’s reputation for insensitivity to wide swaths of the American people is pervasive. One cannot claim to support the troops and favor closing offices of the VA. Making war is not equivalent to supporting the troops.”

“Veterans should not have to fight to keep access to the benefits they earned through their service for our country,” said Schenectady County Legislature Chair Gary Hughes. “This planned closure would create real barriers for those who rely on this clinic, and we urge our federal leaders to step in and keep it open.”

“The closure of the Schenectady VA clinic is a deeply concerning development,” said Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy. “Schenectady County is home to many veterans who have served our nation with honor and deserve accessible, convenient healthcare. Requiring them to travel to Clifton Park or Albany places an additional and unnecessary burden on those who have already given so much in service to our country – individuals who merit far better support and consideration.”

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