WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — The Department of Veterans Affairs is the latest federal agency expected to be hit with massive job cuts. The Associated Press reports more than 80,000 workers will be fired at the VA.
Those planned cuts have left some veterans in the D.C. area confused and concerned.
“Our veterans are uncertain, they’re confused, they’re very much scared,” said Angela McConnell, the president and CEO of the Northern Virginia Veterans Association.
McConnell said the agency provides crucial healthcare and mental health care to many vets in the area.
“We cannot reassure them as an organization because we have no idea what’s going to happen next,” she said.
Meanwhile, VA Secretary Doug Collins said healthcare and benefits won’t be impacted and that the layoffs are part of needed changes.
“VA will always fulfill its duty to provide veterans, families, caregivers and survivors the healthcare and benefits they have earned. That’s a promise,” he said in a video statement shared on social media. “VA’s biggest problem is that its bureaucracy and inefficiencies are getting in the way of customer convenience and service to veterans.”
Congressional Democrats are not buying that explanation.
“It’s going to mean longer wait times, fewer appointments and ultimately less health care for our veterans,” said Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
McConnell said she does not know if this many cuts will have an impact on healthcare or benefits, but if it does, it would have a “devastating” impact.
“All I know is that our veterans are being told by VA healthcare providers that they’re not sure if they’re going to be able to continue providing care in the same way,” she said. “I know that for a fact.”
