VA Secretary Doug Collins to Visit Asheville Amid Controversial Job Cuts

Asheville --  Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins is set to visit Asheville on March 18, meeting with local officials and addressing the growing concerns over proposed job cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The planned reduction of approximately 80,000 positions has sparked bipartisan backlash, with lawmakers from both parties taking action to mitigate potential disruptions to veterans' services.

Meeting with Local Officials

During his visit, Secretary Collins will meet with Buncombe County and City of Asheville emergency services officials to discuss ongoing hurricane recovery efforts and explore ways in which the VA can support disaster-stricken communities. The discussions will include potential partnerships between federal and local agencies to strengthen veterans' access to resources in Western North Carolina.

The Job Cuts Controversy

Reports indicate that the VA is planning to trim its workforce to 2019 staffing levels, reducing the number of employees from approximately 480,000 to just under 400,000. According to an internal VA memo, the department is aiming to "resize and tailor the workforce to the mission and revised structure." This restructuring effort is part of a broader federal initiative led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), overseen by Elon Musk, to streamline government operations.

The proposed job cuts have raised alarms across the country, particularly among those who rely on VA healthcare services and benefits. Critics argue that such a drastic reduction could negatively impact veterans, particularly in areas already facing shortages in medical professionals and administrative staff.

Bipartisan Concerns and Legislative Action

Both Republicans and Democrats have voiced concerns over the planned cuts, leading to legislative actions aimed at limiting the extent of the reductions:

Republican Response: Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) has been working with VA leaders to develop safeguards that ensure staffing cuts are implemented responsibly. Other Republican lawmakers, including Senators Lindsey Graham and Mike Bost, have expressed concerns about the impact of these cuts on veterans' healthcare and services.

Democratic Response: Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the "Putting Veterans First Act," which seeks to protect veterans, military spouses, and VA employees targeted by DOGE’s workforce reductions. Additionally, Senators Tammy Duckworth and Andy Kim, along with Representative Derek Tran, have introduced the "Protect Veterans Jobs Act," which aims to reinstate fired veterans and provide them with back pay.

Public and Political Reaction

The proposed VA workforce reductions have drawn significant backlash from advocacy groups, veterans’ organizations, and lawmakers across party lines. Concerns include potential delays in medical services, increased wait times for benefits processing, and diminished resources for mental health programs. Some officials have even warned that these cuts could exacerbate the growing mental health crisis among veterans.

What to Expect from Secretary Collins' Visit

During his visit, Secretary Collins is expected to address these concerns directly, offering insight into how the VA intends to manage workforce reductions while maintaining high-quality services. He will also meet with local emergency response teams to discuss ways to bolster support for veterans affected by recent hurricanes in the region.

With bipartisan pressure mounting, lawmakers are working to introduce measures that could alter the trajectory of these job cuts. The debate over VA staffing levels is likely to continue in the coming weeks as Congress weighs legislative proposals designed to safeguard veterans' services from significant disruptions.

Source:

AP News

Veterans Affairs 

WNCTimes

Image: WNCTimes