GOP Lawmakers Urge Defense, VA to Limit Veteran Layoffs

Amid widespread layoffs across the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD), lawmakers are expressing significant concern for the impact on veterans. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Mich.) has urged VA Secretary Doug Collins to reconsider recent layoffs affecting approximately 2,400 employees, arguing that qualified veterans are being let go without just cause. Similarly, Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) has called on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to prioritize veteran retention as the DoD plans to cut about 5% to 8% of its civilian workforce, which could disproportionately affect veterans. Both representatives emphasize the importance of maintaining a skilled workforce as national security threats grow. Critics of the layoffs, including veterans themselves, have voiced disbelief at the lack of individualized performance assessments in the termination process. The broader context includes efforts led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to streamline federal spending, which some believe has led to hasty and detrimental workforce reductions.