Democratic Lawmakers Blast Trump Administration’s VA Cuts After ProPublica Investigation

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House Democrats criticized the Trump administration on Thursday for reducing the Department of Veterans Affairs and urged greater transparency from its leaders following a ProPublica investigation that exposed widespread disruptions in the agency’s healthcare system.
Rep. Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania emphasized the detrimental effects on veterans, referencing ProPublica’s findings.
ProPublica recently disclosed numerous emails from VA staff warning headquarters about the adverse impact of cuts on the agency’s ability to cater to approximately 9 million veterans. These reductions have led to staffing shortages and put medical providers in a difficult position due to changing policies, including the termination of contracts with companies overseeing cancer registries.
Staff at VA facilities in Pennsylvania reported that the cuts were causing significant and immediate consequences, such as the discontinuation of vital cancer trials essential for veteran care. The reductions were projected to affect over 1,000 veterans receiving treatment for various conditions, including cancer, kidney disease, and traumatic brain injuries.
During a congressional session, House members, some of whom are veterans themselves, demanded more information from VA leadership on the impact of cuts, which often result in veterans losing access to critical treatments. Rep. Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire highlighted the urgency of preserving clinical trials that could save lives.
Rep. Deluzio, an Iraq War veteran representing a district with a VA facility, and other lawmakers expressed frustration over the lack of transparency from VA Secretary Doug Collins regarding layoffs, canceled contracts, and future cuts.
While President Trump has pledged to prioritize veterans’ care, the VA has faced disruptions despite only a small percentage of the planned staffing reductions being implemented so far. Collins mentioned plans to eliminate around 70,000 jobs with the assistance of the Department of Government Efficiency but stressed that it was a tentative goal.
In response to criticism, Collins defended the VA’s reform efforts, labeling ProPublica’s reporting as misleading and emphasizing the need for change within the department.
Although VA press secretary Pete Kasperowicz claimed that issues in Pennsylvania had been resolved, local sources contradicted this statement, indicating ongoing challenges. The impact of contract cancellations on cancer registries was downplayed, with plans to establish a national contract for their administration.
Providers noted that even temporary disruptions had negative repercussions on veterans’ care, such as delays in clinical trials for opioid addiction treatment. Despite the controversy, Collins asserted that the savings from cuts would be redirected to enhance healthcare services for veterans.
While some Republicans supported the proposed cuts, Democrats and independent senators raised concerns about the potential consequences of reducing essential positions within the VA. Sen. Angus King criticized Collins for lacking transparency by withholding information on canceled contracts, prompting Collins to commit to sharing the details once finalized.