Lawmakers and veterans are concerned that President Trump's freeze on hiring new federal workers could disrupt the operations of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities.
Critics worry that a government-wide freeze imposed by executive order on Trump's first day in office could hinder the recruitment of critical health care workers and complicate care for veterans. .
The administration “has also failed to consider the impact it will have on veterans' access to health care and benefits, or the urgent need to fill critical clinical vacancies within the Department of Veterans Affairs, such as mental health providers and nurses,” said the retired House of Representatives. said a senior member of the military committee. Sen. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) said in a statement Thursday.
“Thousands of Americans have already had their offers revoked by the Veterans Administration, even though many of these people have already secured funds to relocate and some have sold their homes. Now they and the veterans are at a loss.”
The Trump administration implemented the freeze as a way to reduce the workforce, which is largely made up of bureaucrats.
In remarks before signing the executive order on January 20, President Trump said, “Most of our bureaucrats have been fired and are gone,'' and that the move would allow the government to “resource talented people who are loyal to the American people.'' ” will be employed only. ”
New employees who were offered a job offer before January 20th will be allowed to join the company if their start date was scheduled on or before February 8th, but other employees will have their job offer canceled. It will be.
Lawmakers quickly took to social media platforms to express their displeasure with the decision, arguing that it could disrupt government operations.
“When you put on the uniform and put your life on the line to protect this country, we promise you that you will be protected after the mission,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont). I wrote it on Thursday On Social Platform It should be done.”
And Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) this week led a group of 24 Democratic senators to urge President Trump to immediately waive the hiring freeze on all veterans. asked to do so.
“This area of veteran care is so important, and that's why I'm so angry about the hiring freeze being applied to the VA health care system,” he said on MSNBC on Friday. “Unable to fill vacancies for doctors, nurses, nurses; [benefits personnel] What is needed is a true betrayal of our veterans. ”
Veterans Affairs officials and former military members also expressed concerns about the chilling effect the freeze could have on the agency's medical centers, which are already struggling with backlogs of appointments and staffing.
Kelly Saindon, executive director of the Veterans Nurses Association, told House members this week that the freeze could prevent nursing homes from having the necessary levels of staffing, which could impact patient care.
“We are concerned about our reputation for attracting and retaining the most qualified people within the VA system,” said Saindon, deputy director of nursing and patient care services at the VA facility.
Gina Ortiz Jones, a veteran who served as deputy secretary of the Air Force under President Biden, said she receives her care through the Veterans Administration. If more veterans are forced to seek treatment at local medical institutions, it will put a strain on local medical resources. We shouldn't play politics with veterans' health care. ”
That outrage went unheeded, and Veterans Affairs officials later reported that they had identified more than 300,000 health sector medical posts deemed essential and exempted them from the freeze. New guidance issued Thursday.
The memo, released by Acting Veterans Affairs Secretary Todd Hunter, identifies 39 roles that are public health and include nurses, nursing assistants, mental health providers, physical therapists, prosthetists, prosthetists, medical records managers, and police. It is specified that it is essential to the operation of the department. Approximately 304,000 job openings fall into 39 categories, representing approximately two-thirds of VA's workforce.
A statement accompanying the memo also states that the content “does not adversely affect the interests of veterans and does not apply to positions related to public safety.” ”
“VA remains committed to implementing overall modernization efforts and reform plans in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget and remaining thoughtful in our hiring efforts to ensure we are poised for success,” Hunter said. wrote.
Additional positions related to processing veterans' benefits may also be exempt, but the office must provide a valid reason for doing so.
Doug Collins, a nominee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, acknowledged during his confirmation hearing Tuesday that the department is still considering which positions will be affected.
“We will review our current workforce levels and the appropriate location to place them,” Collins said, adding that the impact of the freeze on Veterans Affairs is “still being evaluated.” “We will act based on the executive order.” [Trump] gave it to us. ”
That answer didn't satisfy some Democrats, including Blumenthal.
“This will be the first test of your leadership whether you fight for an exemption from the hiring freeze for non-veteran benefits needed to care for veterans in medical facilities,” Blumenthal said.
