Magaziner Introduces Amendment to Defense Bill to Protect Veteran Homelessness Program, Keep More Veterans Housed
WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) announced he will be introducing an amendment to the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to protect a critical program for homeless veterans that the Trump Administration has moved to end.
The HUD-VASH program was established in the 1990s to support veterans with housing vouchers and support services, and is cited as helping reduce veteran homelessness by more than 50 percent between 2010 and 2024.
In July, President Trump signed an executive order to end “Housing First” policies, which includes the HUD-VASH program, citing that they “deprioritize accountability and fail to promote treatment, recovery and self-sufficiency.” Magaziner’s amendment would block the Trump Administration’s plans to alter or dismantle Housing First principles and ensure the federal government continues to fund this effective program that keeps veterans off the streets and in stable housing.
“President Trump is putting veterans last by targeting a proven, bipartisan program that helps those who served our country stay off the streets and rebuild their lives in stable housing,” said Magaziner. “My amendment reverses this horrible decision and ensures that veterans who fought to protect us have a safe place to call home, something both parties should agree on.”
HUD-VASH, along with other federal housing programs, is being targeted by the Trump Administration for promoting a “Housing First” model, which prioritizes providing homes to individuals experiencing homelessness before requiring addiction treatment or mental health care. In reality, the HUD-VASH program pairs veterans with VA caseworkers to connect them with critical services such as health care, mental health treatment, addiction recovery, and job search assistance.
The NDAA sets annual defense and national security-related policies and authorizes funding levels for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Magaziner’s amendment is co-sponsored by Reps. John Larson (CT-01), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Steven Horsford (NV-4), and Cleo Fields (LA-06).
You can read the full text of Magaziner’s amendment here.
