Wichita Standard

In response to significant cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under former President Donald Trump, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), alongside other senators, introduced the Putting Veterans First Act. This legislation aims to address and reverse the effects of these reductions on veterans, military spouses, and VA employees.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), a co-sponsor of the bill, emphasized the need to counteract layoffs within the VA: “At a time when the VA is already understaffed, Elon Musk and Donald Trump want to dismember the department by laying off 83,000 employees. They have already fired 2,500 VA employees as well as an estimated 6,000 veterans across the entire federal workforce.”

The bill also has support from several other senators including Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who stated: “If Donald Trump really cared about our nation’s heroes, he wouldn’t be firing more Veterans than any other President in modern history.” The legislation seeks to reinstate fired workers and prevent further terminations.

Key provisions include reinstating federal employees affected by mass terminations and protecting their jobs. It also seeks to ensure that any hiring freezes or office closures do not negatively impact veterans' benefits or care. Additionally, it aims to increase transparency regarding staffing and claims backlog at the VA.

Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) expressed his concerns over cuts in VA programs: “The Trump Administration needs to step up and stop attacking veterans.” Meanwhile, Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) called for solidarity with veterans against these actions: “Every single one of my colleagues should stand in solidarity with our veterans.”

The proposed act also addresses data protection issues related to DOGE's access to veteran information. It prohibits unauthorized access or alteration of such data.

This legislative effort underscores a broader commitment among certain lawmakers to safeguard employment and benefits for veterans while addressing administrative decisions perceived as harmful during Trump's presidency.