Wichita Standard

At a recent Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee oversight hearing, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) criticized VA Secretary Doug Collins for his lack of transparency and responsiveness regarding planned cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs workforce. The hearing provided Blumenthal and other Democratic committee members their first opportunity to question Collins face-to-face since his confirmation.

Blumenthal expressed concern over Collins' plan to cut 83,000 VA employees, questioning its impact on addressing existing problems within the department. He stated, “Not a single one of them will be solved or addressed by slashing the VA workforce by 83,000 people.”

The senator also pressed Collins for details about past firings of more than 2,400 VA employees and potential costs associated with wrongful terminations. Blumenthal asked, “Are you aware of the costs that will result from firing those VA workers in compensation that has to be paid to them when they have been wrongfully terminated?” Collins did not provide specific answers.

Throughout the hearing, Blumenthal demanded information on which positions had been cut and future plans for further reductions. Despite repeated requests for specifics, Collins did not commit to providing detailed information.

Blumenthal emphasized the importance of accountability and facts: “You can fill the air with words, but what veterans deserve is action and accountability.” He warned against eliminating essential positions that provide healthcare access.

Collins responded by clarifying that there was no intention to fire frontline healthcare staff like doctors or nurses. He stated, “I said we’re looking at a goal of how many employees we have and how many employees are actually working in the front line taking care.”

The exchange highlighted ongoing tensions between Congress and the VA over staffing decisions impacting veteran services.