Wichita Standard

In a recent Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) criticized the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for its plan to cut over 80,000 employees. The criticism was directed at VA Secretary Doug Collins' approach, which Blumenthal described as lacking transparency and proper analysis.

Blumenthal expressed his concerns during the hearing, stating, “The VA is in crisis. It is literally a five-alarm fire for the VA.” He further emphasized that veterans have been adversely affected by these staff cuts and called it "intentional malevolence or benign neglect."

The senator introduced the Putting Veterans First Act as a response to what he views as detrimental policies affecting veterans and VA employees. This proposed legislation aims to safeguard those impacted by the planned cuts.

During questioning, Blumenthal pressed Mark Engelbaum, a Trump VA political appointee, on whether any analyses were conducted before implementing mass terminations and a hiring freeze. Engelbaum admitted that an analysis had only just begun after 2,400 people were already fired. Blumenthal responded critically: “None of what you have said just now is a plan.”

Engelbaum explained that the department is undergoing an ongoing analysis expected to last several months but did not provide concrete documentation when requested by Blumenthal. The senator highlighted this lack of evidence as unacceptable.

Blumenthal also questioned Engelbaum about specific details regarding employee removals from various departments within the VA but received no precise answers. Engelbaum acknowledged there are approximately 700 exempted positions currently backlogged.

Despite assurances from Engelbaum about ongoing efforts to reform the agency and focus on veteran care, Blumenthal remained unconvinced. He concluded by expressing dissatisfaction with the absence of necessary documents or analyses prior to executing staffing changes.