On Thursday, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that more than 300,000 health care jobs within its organization will remain open despite the federal hiring freeze imposed by the White House.
Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Todd Hunter, made it clear that these positions are vital for maintaining public health and ensuring the smooth operation of the VA.
Response to the Federal Hiring Freeze
This announcement comes in response to growing unease among lawmakers and veteran advocates regarding the hiring freeze implemented by President Donald Trump shortly after he took office.
Throughout the week, various federal agencies have begun informing job candidates about the hiring moratorium that affects new appointments.
While the executive order issued by the administration allows exemptions for certain roles, including those in military, immigration enforcement, and public safety, it assures citizens that vital programs like Social Security, Medicare, and veterans’ benefits will continue without disruption.
Hiring Guidelines and Exemptions
During his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Doug Collins, the nominated Secretary of the VA, acknowledged the ongoing work to determine the specific positions that would be affected by the hiring freeze.
Hunter has circulated a memo to congressional staff outlining the new hiring guidelines.
It specifies that any hires set to commence before February 8 will be permitted to start.
However, new hiring beyond that date will be on hold for now.
The memo identifies 39 critical health care roles exempt from the freeze, including positions such as nurses, mental health professionals, physical therapists, medical records managers, and specialists in prosthetics.
In total, the number of exempt roles surpasses 304,000, underscoring their importance to the Veterans Health Administration’s mission to provide quality care to veterans.
Committee Actions and Future Prospects
Some positions related to veterans’ benefits processing are also exempt, although the respective offices must justify these exceptions.
The memo reinforces the VA’s pledge to engage in prudent hiring that aligns with their ongoing modernization efforts in partnership with the Office of Management and Budget.
Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jerry Moran, a Republican from Kansas, praised the administration’s swift actions in addressing public fears surrounding the freeze’s potential consequences for veterans’ care.
He expressed appreciation for the clarity of the guidance, which facilitates the hiring of essential health care staff and makes sure that veterans and their families receive timely support and benefits.
Moran also pointed out the inconsistencies seen in staffing approaches over the past two years, urging the new administration to develop a robust long-term workforce strategy.
The exempt positions represent about two-thirds of the VA’s total workforce.
Labor unions have condemned the hiring freeze, arguing that it is both unnecessary and harmful to the agency’s functions.
Despite facing pushback, the White House continues to defend the freeze, stating it is necessary to manage the size of the federal workforce.
A 90-day review has been initiated to explore potential workforce reductions, with reports indicating around 3 million people currently employed by the federal government.
Additionally, a separate memo from the VA’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement has indicated that the hiring freeze will also halt the recruitment of non-compensated volunteers at VA facilities.
On the same day, Moran’s committee cast a vote of 18-1 to move Collins’ nomination to the full Senate, with the only opposing vote coming from Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, who raised concerns about Collins’ views on abortion access for veterans.
Expressing optimism about the timeline, Moran hopes Collins will be confirmed before the month ends, easing worries regarding the potential impact of new White House policies on Veterans Affairs.
Throughout his confirmation hearing, Collins reassured lawmakers that the efficiency measures proposed by the White House aim to enhance the delivery and accessibility of veterans’ benefits and services, rather than diminish them.
Source: Militarytimes