Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins has a clear message for veterans: big changes are on the horizon, and they need to brace themselves for it.
In a recent video, Collins announced plans to cut more than 70,000 jobs at the VA, including thousands of positions held by veterans. He emphasized that the root issue at the VA lies in its bureaucracy, which hampers effective service and convenience for veterans.
Around 25% of the VA’s 470,000 staff are veterans, meaning approximately 20,000 veterans could face layoffs. This announcement comes after a significant hiring wave when President Biden signed the 2022 PACT Act, aimed at expanding benefits for millions of veterans harmed by toxic exposure during service.
Frank Pearson, the director of the VA San Diego Medical Center, shared last year that the PACT Act contributed to the growth of their services. “We’ve seen around 400 to 500 new veterans every month,” he said. This surge led to about 400 new jobs being created at VA San Diego since 2022. However, it remains uncertain how the upcoming layoffs will impact staffing there, as the center has not provided comments regarding this issue.
The layoffs are part of a broader restructuring initiative within the federal government, known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). While there has been confusion over leadership, former President Trump suggested during a recent State of the Union that Elon Musk might be involved.
Alina Habba, a counselor to Trump, acknowledged that these cuts could leave many veterans without jobs. “We need to be responsible with taxpayer dollars,” she stated. “While we will continue to support veterans, we must also ensure that those employed are fulfilling their roles.” Collins echoed this sentiment in his video, expressing the difficulty of making such decisions but reaffirming that the government’s purpose is to serve the public, not just to provide jobs.
Many in the VA, including a psychologist from VA San Diego, shared concerns about the impact of layoffs. Staff expressed feelings of betrayal, while patients have voiced worries about their access to resources. “My patients feel uneasy and uncomfortable,” the psychologist noted, preferring to remain anonymous.
With around 200,000 veterans residing in San Diego County, and about 150,000 enrolled in healthcare through VA San Diego, the stakes are high. Collins said veterans should expect more changes to come, urging them to adapt to the new landscape.
As the VA moves forward, both staff and veterans remain anxious about the future of their healthcare services and support.
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