Senate Veterans' Affairs committee presses Paul Lawrence on mass firings, data access and accountability during nomination hearing

Paul R. Lawrence, nominated to be deputy secretary and chief operating officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs, faced repeated questions at a Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs hearing about last week's mass dismissals of VA employees, possible outside access to veterans' data and the department's responsiveness to congressional oversight.

Senators said the recent personnel moves and third‑party access arrangements have disrupted services and created alarm among employees and veterans. "We have been told everything will be fine," said Senator Richard Blumenthal, the committee's ranking member, listing delayed clinic openings, halted service lines, cuts to caregiver supports and interruptions to suicide‑prevention training. "But despite these vague assurances, we know it's not the reality."

Lawrence, who served previously as VA undersecretary for benefits, told senators he is not currently at the department and that he would need to investigate operational details if confirmed. "I would follow the law," he said when asked by Senator Maggie…