The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the dismissal of 1,400 probationary employees, a move aimed at reallocating resources from non-essential roles to core functions. The agency described these positions as "non-mission critical," including roles related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
According to a press release, this strategic decision will save the VA over $83 million annually. These funds are intended to be redirected towards enhancing health care, benefits, and services for VA beneficiaries, a shift aimed at bolstering the department's core mission of supporting veterans and their families.
The 1,400 dismissed employees join another 1,000 who were laid off in February. Importantly, those directly involved in providing "mission critical" care or benefits to veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors were exempt from these layoffs. The VA currently employs over 40,000 probationary staff, most of whom were not affected by the recent cuts. Employees participating in the Office of Personnel Management's deferred resignation program were also exempt.
VA Secretary Doug Collins emphasized the difficult nature of these decisions, stating, "These moves will not hurt VA health care, benefits, or beneficiaries. In fact, Veterans are going to notice a change for the better." Collins assured that these changes would enable the department to better fulfill its mission of providing superior care and benefits.
In contrast, Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal criticized the move, expressing concerns that it would impair the VA's ability to deliver timely and quality care. He urged Republican lawmakers to oppose what he termed as "harmful cuts."
VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt plans to address Congress about the issue, criticizing the perceived lack of human oversight in the decision-making process. Lipphardt stated, "It appears humans have been taken out of what is a human capital issue," highlighting concerns over the automated nature of the dismissals.
The VA's decision comes amidst similar workforce reductions by other agencies, such as the General Services Administration. As these changes unfold, the VA aims to demonstrate their commitment to improving services for veterans, despite the challenges posed by these controversial personnel decisions.
Report contributions by Eric Katz.
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