The Washington Post reports the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs plans to cut up to 35,000 health-care positions this month, citing an internal memo, VA staff and congressional aides. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. If confirmed, the reductions would be a major change to staffing at the agency that provides health services to veterans and could affect appointment availability and care delivery.
WaPo: VA Could Cut Up To 35,000 Health-Care Jobs This Month
A sign marks the headquarters of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 20, 2025.REUTERS/Brian Snyder
The Washington Post reports that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to abruptly eliminate as many as 35,000 health-care positions this month, citing an internal memo, VA staffers and congressional aides.
Details of the Report
According to the Post, the proposed cuts are expected to occur imminently and would affect a broad range of clinical and support roles across the VA health system. The report cites an internal VA memo and comments from agency employees and congressional aides as its sources.
Reuters said it could not immediately verify the account. If confirmed, the reduction would represent a substantial downsizing of the workforce responsible for providing health care to U.S. veterans and could have immediate operational impacts at VA medical centers and clinics.
Potential Implications
Staff reductions on this scale could affect appointment availability, staffing levels at hospitals and clinics, and the delivery of veterans’ health services nationwide. Congressional oversight and responses from veterans’ organizations could follow if the cuts proceed.
Reporting by Gnaneshwar Rajan in Bengaluru; Editing by Alexander Smith
