Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins confirmed that his department will reduce its workforce by around 80,000 people. This is part of a plan to make the department more efficient.

Doug Collins explained that the problem isn’t money or staff. The issue is how to use the department’s resources better. “We want to make our great employees even better,” Collins said. “The goal is to serve veterans, not just hire people.”

Collin’s Workforce reduction plans

Doug Collins’ announcement came after a memo leaked. The memo shows plans to reduce the VA staff to levels seen in 2019. This would bring the workforce from about 480,000 workers to fewer than 400,000. Recently, 2,500 employees were laid off, including workers in diversity and inclusion roles.

While Collins admits the staff cuts are difficult, he says they are necessary. He believes that for years, the VA has been given more resources, but hasn’t always used them in the best way. Now, Secretary Doug Collins wants to focus on improving the department with the resources already available.

Reorganization and savings

The leaked memo also mentioned an agency-wide reorganization that will begin in August. This plan is part of an effort to align the VA workforce with the department’s new mission. A review of spending has already saved around $900 million by cutting more than 500 contracts.

Collins faces Concerns from veterans groups and lawmakers

However, not everyone agrees with the changes. Veterans groups and Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about the impact of these cuts on veterans. They fear that the cuts could harm veterans’ care.

Mark Takano, a California Democrat, criticized Doug Collins’ plan. He called it a “betrayal of veterans.” Richard Blumenthal, a Democratic Senator from Connecticut, said the cuts would severely hurt the VA’s operations.

Republicans have not taken a clear stance on the issue. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jerry Moran acknowledged the need for reform. However, he stressed that cuts should be made in a responsible way. He promised that there would be continued oversight on the issue led by Doug Collins.

Collins defends the reorganization

Doug Collins says that the department is reviewing the situation carefully. He insists that the staff changes are driven by the VA, not just cost-cutting measures. “I raised my hand to be secretary of the VA,” he said. “We’re looking at this in the best way possible.”

President Joe Biden has also called for making government more efficient. Collins believes the VA will need fewer workers as it becomes more streamlined.

Growing VA workforce and services

Over the past few years, the VA’s workforce has grown. During Biden’s presidency, it grew by 14%, following a 12% increase during Trump’s first term. The department has also added over 100,000 employees in the last decade to meet the rising demand for services, such as medical appointments and disability claims.

In recent years, surveys show that veterans’ satisfaction with the VA has also improved. About 92% of veterans trusted the VA for their medical needs last year, up from 85% in 2017. Secretary of the VA, Doug Collins, has taken note of these improvements and aims to continue this trend.