MATT GAETZ WASHINGTON OFFICE:

2021 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING

1ST DISTRICT, FLORIDA

Congress of the United States

WASHINGTON, DC 20515
(202) 225-4136
ARMED SERVICES

House of Representatives
COMMITTEE DISTRICT OFFICE:
805 E James Lee Blvd
COMMITTEE ON THE Crestview, FL 32539
JUDICIARY Washington, DC 20515 (850) 479-1183

https://gaetz.house.gov

May 14, 2024

United States Department of Veterans Affairs

810 Vermont Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20420

Secretary McDonough:

The Washington Free Beacon, in an article dated May 13, 2024, has collated a number of disturbing, and
likely lawbreaking programs endorsed by the Department (https://freebeacon.com/biden-
administration/dei-hits-the-va-bidens-veterans-affairs-department-offers-race-based-training-programs-that-
exclude-white-vets/). Specifically, it identifies programs in at least four states that appear to provide race-
targeted or even race-exclusionary “support groups.”

These programs all signal that participation in the programs requires one to be a member of a
preferred race, and each program requires a specific request to enroll. The substance of the support groups is
itself alarming, giving a fig leaf legal jargon justification that there is such a thing as “race-based trauma” that
might justify disparate treatment of veterans as a medical necessity.

Needless to say, these programs are unacceptable. Please provide the following information to my
office by June 4, 2024.

(1) Are the four programs identified in the piece official programs of the DVA? Whether or not they are,
which office at DVA manages the linked websites?; and
(2) What policy documents outline the relevant non-discrimination policy for setting up a “support
group,” and what approval process is followed for marketing these on the official DVA website?; and
(3) What is the lowest component office within DVA responsible for each of the four programs
identified in the piece?; and
(4) What affirmative steps is DVA taking to remove these postings and programs from the DVA, and
what is the timeline; and
(5) Please provide any other DVA programs or documents that address “race-based trauma.”

Sincerely,

Matt Gaetz
Member of Congress