Wichita Standard

Ahead of President Trump's Joint Address to Congress, Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and fellow Democrats sought unanimous consent in the Senate to pass a resolution condemning the mass terminations of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees. The resolution was blocked by Senate Republicans.

Blumenthal criticized the Trump Administration's actions, stating, "Musk and Trump have already upended the lives of so many—the thousands of veterans, casually discarded, illegally fired without notice or justification." He highlighted stories of affected VA employees, including a US Air Force veteran with over 30 years of service who was terminated shortly after starting work at the VA. Tony Ruiz, a disabled Army veteran assisting with benefits claims at the Veterans Benefits Administration, was also mentioned as being cut just days before completing his probationary period.

The administration has reportedly terminated 2,400 VA employees critical to serving veterans. Veterans constitute more than 25 percent of the VA workforce. Blumenthal underscored that these terminations come amid staffing shortages and increased demand for VA services like mental health care.

Blumenthal called on President Trump to respect veterans during his address: "He’s called them suckers and losers...what I’d like to see him do is show some respect for our veterans." He emphasized that terminated VA employees are not faceless bureaucrats but hardworking public servants dedicated to their country.

Senate Democrats have urged Trump to reinstate all illegally fired veterans with full back pay and benefits. Last month, Blumenthal led Democratic Senators in urging VA Secretary Doug Collins to reinstate terminated employees.

In a broader context, Blumenthal attributed part of this campaign against federal workers to Elon Musk's influence within the administration. He argued that Musk is cutting jobs indiscriminately across agencies using technology-driven methods without regard for individual contributions or needs.

Public service remains an important path for military-affiliated individuals due to its stability and benefits. However, according to Blumenthal's remarks in Congress, recent policies threaten this avenue for continued service post-military career.

Blumenthal introduced a resolution alongside several Democratic senators aimed at reaffirming commitments made to veterans when they join public service roles: "Our nation and they deserve better."