Veterans Affairs unaffected in government shutdown amid confusion, uncertainty

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Jackie Walorski Veterans Affairs Clinic in Mishawaka was business as usual Wednesday despite the ongoing government shutdown. ABC57 learned that not only is the Veterans Health Administration already funded through the rest of the year, but the VA is totally exempt from the impacts of a shutdown, and its workers are still getting paid.

"I think it's ridiculous, I think that senators are the ones that are holding it up. They should be forced to either do their job or get fired like they Do in the regular world," said local veteran Donald Lawrence.

That said, his experience at the VA Wednesday went smoothly with no impact from the shutdown. Still, he says the government could do more to support its veterans, and complained of long waits to get an appointment at the VA.

"I think that the veterans need to be honored more than they are, and one way to honor them is to give them care and right-away care," he said.

ABC57 also went to the South Bend FSSA office, the state branch of the Department of Family Services. Employees were not allowed to answer any questions, but the office was still active.

"It took a minute for them to get back to me, I had to actually come into the office to get them to make a move," said South Bend resident Chelsea Robinson.

She said she had no trouble on her visit, and she's still able to get her food assistance benefits.

"People are not going to have anything to worry about if they already receiving the benefits already," she said. "But if you're not, once again, you're not eligible, due to the government shutdown."