- Proposed 15% VA staff reduction threatens 80,000 federal jobs
- Lawmakers demand congressional oversight for workforce restructuring plans
- $900M in contract cancellations follow 2,400 probationary terminations
- Agency maintains benefits won’t be affected despite operational overhaul
The Department of Veterans Affairs faces fierce backlash from both parties over its strategy to reduce staffing levels to pre-pandemic numbers. A leaked memo reveals plans to eliminate nearly 80,000 positions by 2025, returning to 2019 staffing levels of 399,957 employees. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee leaders from both parties warn that rapid downsizing could destabilize critical services for 9 million enrolled veterans.
Regional impacts are already emerging, particularly in rural areas. Kansas veterans’ groups report longer wait times for mental health services following early staff reductions. When my local VA clinic reduced administrative staff, my PTSD therapy appointments got rescheduled three times,said Army veteran Mark Tolbert from Wichita. These anecdotes contradict VA Secretary Collins’ assurances that frontline healthcare roles remain protected.
The workforce reduction coincides with controversial contract cancellations affecting medical equipment suppliers and facility maintenance providers. While the VA claims $900 million in savings, internal documents show reversed decisions on 38% of terminated contracts after service disruptions occurred. This pattern mirrors 2023 healthcare privatization debates, where similar efficiency measures led to 22% longer specialty care wait times in pilot regions.
Federal employment experts note the VA’s restructuring reflects broader government workforce trends. Since 2021, federal agencies have reduced headcounts by 7% nationwide, with healthcare and benefits administrations bearing the steepest cuts. However, the VA’s 15% target doubles the government-wide average, raising concerns about maintaining compliance with 2022 PACT Act expansion mandates requiring 12% more claims processors.
House Veterans’ Affairs Committee members are drafting legislation to require congressional approval for large-scale workforce changes. Meanwhile, the Office of Personnel Management faces pressure to extend the March 13 deadline for restructuring proposals, as three other agencies have already received extensions due to complexity concerns.