A major shakeup is looming at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as internal documents reveal plans for the largest workforce reduction in the agency’s recent history. The proposed reorganization would eliminate 80,000 positions, dramatically scaling back the federal government’s capacity to serve America’s veterans during a time when demand for services continues to grow.
Massive staffing cuts planned at Veterans Affairs
According to an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press, VA leadership aims to return staffing levels to their 2019 numbers of approximately 400,000 employees. The directive comes from VA Chief of Staff Christopher Syrek, who outlined the reorganization plans to senior agency officials.
The workforce reduction would reverse recent expansions implemented during the Biden administration, including staffing increases meant to support veterans affected by burn pit exposure under the 2022 PACT Act. The memo indicates the reorganization will begin in August, with the VA working alongside the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency to implement the changes.
Impact on veteran services and workforce
The proposed cuts have sparked significant concern among veteran communities, who have already begun speaking out against initial reductions that affected thousands of employees and hundreds of contracts. The impact could be particularly significant given that veterans comprise more than 25% of the VA’s current workforce.
Political response and controversy
The reorganization has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Senator Richard Blumenthal, the leading Democrat on the Senate committee overseeing veterans’ affairs, strongly condemned the initiative, stating that the administration “has launched an all-out assault” against the VA’s service expansion efforts.
“Their plan prioritizes private sector profits over veterans’ care, balancing the budget on the backs of those who served. It’s a shameful betrayal, and veterans will pay the price for their unforgivable corruption, incompetence, and immorality,” Blumenthal said in a statement.
While Democrats have vocally opposed the cuts across various agencies, Republicans have maintained a cautious stance as the changes unfold. The reorganization plans were first brought to public attention by Government Executive.
