1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's plans to cut over 80,000 employees from the Department of Veterans Affairs are deeply concerning. Veterans face unique medical challenges that require specialized care from trained professionals. Slashing the VA workforce to 2019 levels would severely undermine the agency's ability to provide timely and quality services to the millions of veterans it serves. These proposed cuts come at a time when the VA's workload has increased significantly due to the PACT Act, which extended benefits to veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. Rather than downsizing, the VA should be bolstering its workforce to meet the growing demand for its services. The VA has already experienced record-high service levels, delivering over 127 million health care appointments last year alone. Reducing staff now risks compromising the agency's capacity to deliver essential medical care, mental health support, and other vital services to those who have served our country. Veterans have made immense sacrifices to protect our nation, and they deserve access to high-quality care from a fully staffed and resourced VA. Cutting corners by slashing the VA workforce would be a disservice to those who have given so much for our freedom. Instead of downsizing, the administration should prioritize strengthening the VA to ensure our veterans receive the care and support they have earned.