Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins defended major staffing and contract cuts during a heated Senate hearing — his first since taking office. He argued that the VA is a bloated, inefficient agency that needs serious reform to better serve veterans.
The department aims to cut about 15% of its workforce—roughly 80,000 positions-as — as part of a broader plan under the Trump administration to shrink the federal government. Collins said the changes will boost productivity and reduce waste, without harming care.
But Senate Democrats strongly disagreed. They said the cuts will reduce veterans’ access to care and criticized Collins for not providing enough details about which jobs and contracts are being cut. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn..) accused Collins of hiding critical information and undermining essential services. 
Collins pushed back, saying rumors of mass firings and unsafe working conditions are false. He noted that only a small percentage of workers — less than 0.5% — have been laid off so far, and that no doctors or direct-care staff have lost their jobs. He also refused to share the full list of over 500 canceled contracts until internal reviews are complete.
Despite the staffing cuts, the VA’s proposed 2026 budget includes a 4% funding increase. That money would go toward medical research, clinical services, and infrastructure improvements, including support for veterans receiving care from private-sector providers.
Still, many veterans’ groups, advocates, and union workers are alarmed. They say the cuts are a step toward privatizing the VA and reducing the quality of care.
Collins insisted that services won’t be disrupted and accused lawmakers of trying to frighten veterans with misinformation. Additional details about job cuts and program changes are expected in the coming months.
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