Senator introduces Putting Veterans First Act amid VA workforce crisis

The U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs convened on March 11, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and pending legislation aimed at protecting veterans' rights and services. A significant focus of the meeting was the alarming reduction of VA staff, with reports indicating that 2,400 employees have already been terminated, and an additional 80,000 cuts are planned by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Senators expressed deep concern over the potential rollback of the PACT Act, a crucial piece of legislation designed to enhance veterans' benefits and care. The PACT Act has been described as a linchpin for modern veteran protection, and the proposed cuts have raised questions among veterans regarding the availability of their benefits.

In response to these developments, a senator announced plans to introduce the "Putting Veterans First Act," which aims to reverse the recent firings of VA employees and establish fair termination standards based on performance rather than political motivations. The proposed legislation also seeks to provide veterans with a clear appeal process for any employment-related decisions.

The senator emphasized the urgency of the situation, likening the current state of the VA to a "5 alarm fire," and criticized the administration's actions as detrimental to veterans' welfare. The meeting concluded with a call for bipartisan support to address the crisis facing the VA and ensure that veterans receive the care and support they deserve.