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Nurses and union supporters rallied in Wilmington, North Carolina, to protest VA staffing shortages and budget cuts.

A report from the Office of Inspector General found that 79% of VA facilities have a severe shortage of nurses.

Rally organizers called on Senator Ted Budd to protect collective bargaining rights and fight against staff reductions.

Protestors also voiced concerns over a proposed bill that would cut VA medical services funding while increasing funds for private-sector care.

In response to severe staffing shortages, proposed budget cuts, and efforts to privatize VA services, nurses, union supporters and others rallied in downtown Wilmington on Sept. 12.

They marched on the office of U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, a Republican who represents North Carolina, while

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