Wichita Standard

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal has expressed strong concerns following the release of an internal memo from senior officials in the Trump Administration at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The document reportedly outlines plans to reduce the VA workforce by more than 80,000 employees this year.

Blumenthal emphasized the bipartisan efforts that led to the passing of the PACT Act, which was designed to provide the VA with necessary tools and resources. "Congress worked in a bipartisan manner to pass the PACT Act and equip VA with the tools and resources needed to serve more veterans than ever," he stated.

He criticized what he described as an attack on both progress made under this act and on VA personnel. According to Blumenthal, "Since January 20, this Administration has launched an all-out assault undermining that progress and attacking the VA workforce and the veterans it serves."

The memo allegedly indicates intentions to cut jobs, including positions held by veterans themselves. Blumenthal argued that these actions would undermine VA's ability to meet increased demand for services, ultimately pushing towards privatization. He noted, "This memo makes their goal crystal clear: they want to roll back the PACT Act by cutting 80,000 jobs—including 20,000 veterans—while starving VA’s ability to meet increased demand in order to justify privatizing VA."

Blumenthal condemned these plans as prioritizing private sector profits over veteran care. He said, "Their plan prioritizes private sector profits over veterans’ care, balancing the budget on the backs of those who served." He concluded his statement by calling it a "shameful betrayal" that would result in negative consequences for veterans due to what he perceives as corruption and incompetence within the administration.