VA Secretary’s Plan to Cut 83,000 Jobs Sparks Controversy

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is under fire for a proposed plan to reduce its workforce by approximately 83,000 employees within the year. VA Secretary Denis McDonough stated that the federal government's primary role is not to provide employment but to serve the public efficiently. However, this announcement has led to significant pushback from lawmakers and VA employees alike.

Senators and Representatives have criticized the move as 'reckless,' arguing that cutting such a substantial number of positions could severely impact the quality of care provided to veterans. Employees within the VA have echoed these concerns, warning that the reduction in staff could lead to diminished services and increased wait times for veterans seeking medical attention.

The plan includes downsizing through layoffs and not renewing contracts, affecting not only full-time employees but also contract workers. Critics worry that this approach may harm veterans' care, with some suggesting that the VA should focus on improving efficiency rather than reducing the workforce.

• Denis McDonough
• Department of Veterans Affairs
• Veterans

Detailed

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Related issues news

How many employees does Veterans Affairs have?

Led by Secretary Doug Collins, a former congressman and Iraq War veteran, the VA employed more than 471,000 people as of December, according to the agency's workforce dashboard, 27% of whom are veterans.

How many VA layoffs?

The Department of Veterans Affairs will slash more than 80,000 jobs under a major restructuring plan that the agency intends to carry out by August to meet President Donald Trump's executive order for downsizing the federal government, according to an internal VA memo.

Is the VA laying off employees?

On Wednesday, the VA announced that it was laying off 80,000 workers in an agencywide reorganization scheduled for August. The aim is to reduce its workforce to its 2019 level of 400,000, the memo to employees said. The agency dismissed 2,400 probationary employees in February.

Who is the VA secretary?

WASHINGTON — Please view a video message from VA Secretary Doug Collins here. Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.