Senators Push Back on VA Job Cuts, Demand Safeguards for Veterans’ Access to Care

A Senate spending bill for fiscal year 2026 is calling for guarantees from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that any forthcoming job reductions will not compromise the quality or promptness of care and services provided to the nation’s veterans.

On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee moved forward with its version of the funding bill for the VA and military construction. The legislation includes provisions mandating the VA to ensure that its staffing levels are adequate to meet demand, despite ongoing workforce reductions anticipated to result in the loss of around 30,000 positions.

This measure represents a collaborative effort to safeguard veterans' healthcare and benefits amidst the VA's budget constraints. “This legislation features crucial bipartisan measures aimed at safeguarding the VA workforce, ensuring that veterans receive the care they need without facing delays or denials due to harmful or arbitrary budget cuts,” stated Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), the leading member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on VA and military construction.

The VA has revised its initial strategy to reduce its workforce by 10%, approximately 50,000 positions, following significant internal and external opposition. The ongoing strategy to eliminate 30,000 jobs has sparked concerns among legislators and advocates for veterans, who caution that these cuts may lead to unforeseen repercussions, especially in rural areas and regions with high demand.

The Senate bill requires the VA to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its workforce, ensuring that any cuts do not result in extended wait times for appointments or delays in processing veterans' claims. Legislators are urging the department to enhance clarity regarding the processes behind staffing decisions and their communication.

VA officials contend that the job cuts primarily affect vacant or redundant roles. Still, critics argue that any perceived reductions in capacity can undermine the trust of veterans who depend on the system. “Our veterans deserve priority,” Ossoff stated. “We must ensure that no reductions—regardless of their intentions—compromise the care that has been rightfully earned.”

The House is still working on its version of the VA appropriations bill. However, with both parties in the Senate highlighting the importance of safeguarding veterans’ services, the wording in the current draft is expected to play a significant role in the final discussions.

Legislators announced their commitment to maintaining scrutiny over the VA’s recruitment, workforce, and service performance indicators as the agency manages budgetary limitations.

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