Over 80,000 jobs slated for cuts amid federal downsizing efforts.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is set to cut over 80,000 jobs by August in response to an executive order from President Donald Trump seeking to reduce the federal workforce. VA Chief of Staff Christopher Syrek issued a memo directing officials to collaborate with the U.S. DOGE Service to streamline operations.
The goal is to return staffing to 2019 levels, after a significant increase during the implementation of the PACT Act, which expanded healthcare and benefits for veterans. Legislators, including Representative Mike Bost of Illinois and Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, have expressed concern about the potential impact on service delivery, especially given the surge in veterans seeking care and benefits, reductions that could weaken the PACT Act’s progress and push care toward privatization, and the concern about the long-term consequences for veterans relying on VA support.
Congressman Bost said, “No one can argue with the fact that we want to see veterans, their families, and their survivors have access to the care and benefits they have earned with the most responsible, modern, and efficient VA budget and workforce.”
The VA is the second-largest federal agency, employing about 482,000 people who manage services such as disability compensation, healthcare, and burial benefits. A task force will oversee the reorganization through 2025, with a draft plan due by April 14.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Doug Collins to be discerning as he manages the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- For the president and members of the Cabinet as they seek to reduce the federal workforce.
Sources: Stars and Stripes, USA Today
