Wichita Standard

Senator Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has expressed dissatisfaction with the recent exemptions to the federal hiring freeze announced by President Trump. The exemptions apply to certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees and follow efforts by Blumenthal to address the issue during a Committee hearing, at VA Secretary nominee Doug Collins’ nomination markup, and through a letter sent to President Trump.

Blumenthal stated, "The latest Administration hiring freeze announcement still falls short. While I’m encouraged the President responded to our concerns by exempting certain VA personnel, only a clear, unequivocal statement to exempt all VA employees from the hiring freeze will reassure me—and veterans—they will receive the care and benefits they need and deserve." He noted that the current exemptions do not include key personnel such as Veterans Benefits Administration employees.

As part of his role as Ranking Member, Blumenthal has been vocal about the potential negative impacts of the hiring freeze on veterans' services. On Tuesday, he urged Doug Collins to oppose any hiring freeze at VA if confirmed as Secretary. He also led a group of 24 Democratic Senators in calling for an immediate exemption for all VA employees from the hiring freeze in a letter highlighting concerns about its effects on healthcare and benefits for veterans.

The exemptions announced cover positions within the Veterans Health Administration, including nurses and other direct care workers. However, they do not extend to critical roles within the Veterans Benefits Administration or National Cemetery Administration. Non-clinical roles essential for hospital operations are also excluded.

Blumenthal continues to advocate for full exemption of all VA employees from the hiring freeze. His efforts emphasize positions that remain unaddressed by these exemptions—ranging from claims processing and IT support to safety-related roles and internal audit teams essential for preventing waste and fraud within VA operations.