VA Research Faces Crisis as Lawmakers Slam Hiring Delays, Political Oversight

Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) are raising concerns about the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) well-regarded research program, highlighting the persistent hiring delays that have impeded critical studies on dementia, stroke, substance use disorders, and cancer. 

In a letter addressed to VA Secretary Doug Collins and exclusively acquired by Military.com, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) called on the department to promptly “revitalize VA research” following months of administrative stagnation and political meddling.

Even with a partial easing of the hiring freeze implemented by the Trump administration, experts and legislators indicate that the VA’s research capabilities continue to be hindered by ongoing delays—especially concerning “without compensation” (WOC) and intergovernmental personnel (IPA) positions, which make up about 90% of the VA’s research workforce. 

Experts affiliated with universities often assume these critical roles, which are crucial for conducting clinical trials and analyzing data.

The senators highlighted that prompt measures are essential, warning that the repercussions could be "severe and long-lasting." Their letter outlines the suspension of clinical trials, including a study on dementia and heart disease that had to turn away veterans due to the non-renewal of a key researcher's contract, as well as other investigations into substance abuse and stroke that were halted entirely. Delays have been reported in enrollment for cancer trials.

Lawmakers are criticizing the VA for neglecting crucial staff and losing vital scientific progress. “As a result of your hiring freeze, vital researchers whose contracts were nearing completion were let go and compelled to leave behind critical work that often saves lives,” they stated. 

The letter expressed concerns over the administration's purported mandate for researchers to obtain political pre-approval before publishing their findings—a step that the senators caution could compromise scientific integrity and hinder academic collaboration.

Despite the VA's earlier decision to provide a 90-day extension for research hires and exempt certain positions, officials from the Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) are currently delaying essential appointments. 

The senators urged for the prompt reinstatement of unjustly dismissed researchers, the rapid resolution of hiring delays, collaboration with the NIH to reinstate revoked grants, and a cessation of political meddling. “Scientific research should not be manipulated like a faucet—activated or deactivated at convenience to fulfill political objectives,” the senators stated, cautioning that ongoing postponements could irreparably harm the VA’s long-standing research heritage.

Experts have issued direct alerts to lawmakers, while internal messages from Military.com indicate persistent issues within the organization.