HIT THE PAUSE BUTTON: VA SUSPENDS DOGE-RELATED CUTS AFTER CRITICISM
If you’re tired of doomscrolling your way through negative possibilities to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), here’s a bit of hope. While nothing is permanent, Veterans may not have to deal with fewer healthcare services thanks to concerns leading to a pause in cuts. Of course, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is still making decisions to help save on costs; however, this is giving the government a chance to rethink some of the billions up for cuts.
VA Suspends Billions in DOGE Cuts
Streamlining the government will likely take cuts; however, some of those being proposed to the VA could end up hurting healthcare services for Vets.
Because of this, concerns were raised, and now the VA is suspending these measures on a temporary basis.
What this means is that the billions of dollars in healthcare services would have losses due to the elimination of hundreds of VA contracts that are still in play.
DOGE Claims It’s Eliminating Consultants
VA Secretary Doug Collins has reported that the canceled contracts would save $2 billion as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing cuts through Elon Musk’s DOGE organization by eliminating consulting work.
“No more paying consultants to do things like make (PowerPoint) slides and write meeting minutes!” wrote Collins on Musk’s social media site X (formally Twitter).
However, many of the VA contracts DOGE is looking to cut help with many of the main concerns Veterans deal with every day. This includes cutting PTSD outreach, programs for homeless Vets, and even cancer.
To learn more, you can view the 875 affected contracts listed by the Associated Press that show more than just consultants are on the chopping block.
On top of the discoveries found in the list, it was revealed during a joint House and Senate hearing that proposed contract cuts could significantly impact Veterans’ services.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal warned that these cuts would have long-term consequences for both Vets and taxpayers.
Critical services, including disruptions to chemotherapy and imaging services, radiation detection equipment calibration, cancer care, research on toxic exposure, and cemetery management are all on the table.
Cuts Are “Ongoing and Not Final”
With the VA’s ongoing contract review involving hundreds of contracts, it’s worth noting that the process “is ongoing and not final.”
“We will not be eliminating any benefits or services to Veterans or VA beneficiaries, and there will be no negative impact to VA healthcare, benefits or beneficiaries. We are always going to take care of Veterans at VA. Period,” said VA Press Secretary Pete Kasperowicz.
However, with important topics such as disability ratings and data integration for the PACT Act on deck, even reassurances from lawmakers aren’t doing much to ease concerns for some.
Pausing to Evaluate DOGE’s VA Cuts More Closely
With the changes over the years, the department is likely due for some cuts and reallocation, but critics are worried about the methods being used by the Trump administration.
One interesting point, however, from former VA Secretary Dr. David Shulkin, points out that the cuts may not be the problem but rather how they’re being applied.
“I do think slowing down and pausing to see what the consequences are, even if they are unintended consequences, is important to do,” said Shulkin.
Many Veteran organizations are calling for transparency amid cuts to potentially vital services. Where the VA goes from here is anyone’s guess, but it’s refreshing that the department is taking a little time to make sure things aren’t getting overlooked.
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