VA LAYSOFF 1,400 MORE EMPLOYEES IN LATEST ROUND OF WORKFORCE CUTS
If you’re a Veteran, you should prepare for the possibility of waiting longer to receive your benefits. The Trump administration’s cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have cut and additional 1,400 employees as protests break out over concerns for the military community. VA layoffs are not the only cuts affecting the government, with some ex-personnel concerned about the state of the department with so many departures leaving Veterans out to dry. They have even been affecting the VA Crisis Line, a critical resource for the Veteran community. Learn more about the latest round of layoffs.
1st Round of VA Layoffs Cut Over 1,000 Positions
More than 1,000 employees were let go in the first round of sweeping VA layoffs.
These cuts will help the VA save over $98 million per year, which the department claims will be reinvested to help with benefits, healthcare, and other services.
Over 43,000 probationary employees are working in the department; however, the recent cuts aimed to cut non-bargaining unit probationary employees who have held a position for under a year in a competitive service appointment or those with under two years of experience through an excepted service appointment.
It’s worth noting that most of the 43,000 probationary employees may not experience layoffs because they are considered to be critical for operations at the VA.
Many of those who the VA should not lay off are supporting benefits and services for beneficiaries; however, insiders have reported to VeteranLife.com warning that not even these positions are safe.
Some employees who may also be spared from the Trump administration’s cuts are covered under a collective bargaining agreement and those who chose to be a part of the Office of Personnel Management’s deferred resignation program also received an exception.
VA Layoffs Affect Veterans Crisis Line
It’s unknown just how many people were let go from the VA’s suicide crisis line, but the employees responsible for answering the phones have been let go.
While some quickly had their positions reinstated, questions still remain as to why these positions were eligible for cuts in the first place.
Furthermore, despite being told that they would be reinstated, some employees still report that they were unable to access their work accounts.
Employees and leaders alike remain shocked at these federal cuts as workers play a vital role in helping Veterans when they need it the most.
Cuts continue to confuse far and wide, with some probationary employees nearing the end of this period being let go and even workers with outstanding performance reviews being relieved of their duties.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) is pushing for change amid the layoffs affecting the VA, calling for an appeals process fired employees can use if terminated.
You’re Fired
Trump and Musk’s dismissals of VA staff are in effect now, even as leadership is requesting exemptions to protect VA services.
“At VA, we are focused on saving money so it can be better spent on Veteran care. We thank these employees for their service to (the) VA. This was a tough decision, but ultimately it’s the right call to better support the Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors the department exists to serve. To be perfectly clear: these moves will not negatively impact VA healthcare, benefits, or beneficiaries. In the coming weeks and months, (the) VA will be announcing plans to put these resources to work helping Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins.
The Trump administration is working to make the department more efficient, trim costs, and refocus the way healthcare, benefits, and services are rendered.
Widespread Cuts
While VA layoffs will have an obvious, direct impact on the Veteran community, they are far from the only ones being dished out by the Trump administration.
Over 200,000 federal workers could qualify for the potential of being laid off, with those who have worked for less than a year or two in the potential crosshairs of the Trump administration.
Multiple agencies beyond the VA, including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), have already received emails and video calls letting employees go.
Rumors and Protests
Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) wants cuts, people need jobs, Veterans deserve benefits and services, unions have concerns, and in the middle of it all is a slew of political moves.
The government is allowing a billionaire to access sensitive data involving the healthcare and benefits of Veterans and now that there are layoffs, all of these concerns have come to a bit of a tipping point, inspiring protests from those concerned.
Despite some assurances to clear up rumors about the sharing of data and that benefits wouldn’t be cut, many don’t trust the government to follow through.
Now, there is a demand for explicit promises that Collins and the White House will stop cutting the VA and will create a separation between DOGE’s billionaire leader and the department.
Demonstrations outside the VA headquarters near the White House have begun early in Trump’s second term and will likely continue as many are vowing to oppose what is sure to be future policies deemed unfavorable for the Veteran community.
Furthermore, other parts of the country have also experienced similar protests due to these cuts.
Paul Lawrence Grilled Over Recent Layoffs
During his confirmation hearing, Paul Lawrence was critiqued for his lack of insight, as many were upset about the recent dismissal of more than 1,000 department workers.
VA officials have insisted that the moves won’t hurt Veterans’ benefits or medical care options, but Democratic lawmakers are questioning if officials have considered the long-term impact of those actions.
“They’re just making stuff up, telling the public things that then later turn out not to be true,” said Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H. “They’re not thinking through how their actions will actually affect Veterans. And I’m concerned that this reckless pattern of decision-making will continue.”
Lawrence has promised to work closely with lawmakers to clarify how future personnel moves will and will not affect department operations. During his hearing, he expressed confidence that VA leaders are making moves to improve efficiency for Veterans.
During the hearing, Lawrence promised to continue implementation of the PACT Act, and aims to find ways to offer more medical care options to Veterans.
He also dismissed the claims that officials are shifting Veterans funding from federal medical centers to private-sector clinics.
“We are not going to privatize VA,” he said. “We would push back on any efforts to do that.”
Lawrence ended by ensuring the public that outside officials do not access Veterans’ benefits or health care information. He explained, “Access to Veterans’ benefits and health information is strictly guarded,” he said. “There is a restrictive process to do that.”
Update: Second Round of Cuts Leads to 1,400 More Layoffs
On Monday evening (February 25th), Veteran Affairs leaders dismissed more than 1,400 additional employees. This is the second round of mass layoffs to occur at the department this month.
The latest dismissals included bargaining-unit employees who have served for less than 2 years. It has been reported that this round of layoffs didn't impact any mission critical jobs, but at this time there have not been any specific details released as to which assignments were eliminated.
When asked about the second round of layoffs, VA Secretary Doug Collins released the following statement, "These and other recent personnel decisions are extraordinarily difficult, but VA is focused on allocating its resources to help as many Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors as possible. These moves will not hurt VA health care, benefits or beneficiaries.”
VA Layoffs Will Likely Lead to a Slower Benefits Process
As the saying goes, “many hands make light work” and despite the idea of firing people to make the department more efficient looking good on paper, Veteran could pay the price.
Having fewer people due to the VA layoffs has many ex-employees and experts warning that Veterans should be prepared to experience longer wait times to receive their benefits and services.
Compounded with the fact that the last few years have seen a spike in claims due to the PACT Act, the Veteran community needs to hope for the best while preparing for the worst.
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