The Division of Veterans Issues reported Monday that it is scaling back its introductory arrange for mass faculty decreases, in spite of the fact that it still anticipates to cut tens of thousands of occupations by the end of fiscal year 2025. The shift comes amid growing scrutiny and concern over the potential impact of veterans affairs layoffs.
Earlier this year, VA Secretary Doug Collins revealed plans to eliminate up to 80,000 positions from a workforce of nearly 470,000 — a move that would have affected approximately 15% of the department’s employees. However, those aggressive cuts have now been reconsidered.
Instead, the VA is moving forward with a more modest reduction, targeting around 30,000 positions. This will be accomplished through a freeze on federal contracting, early retirements, delayed resignations, and natural attrition. According to the agency’s official statement, this approach is intended to avoid a sweeping layoff initiative.
The downsizing process has already begun. Internal VA records show that staffing dropped from approximately 484,000 employees at the start of the year to about 467,000 as of June 1 — a reduction of roughly 17,000. An additional 12,000 voluntary departures are expected by the end of September.
Sources familiar with internal planning told that the first wave of layoffs was originally scheduled for this month, followed by another in September. However, VA press secretary Dwindle Kasperowicz affirmed that the already declared 80,000-job lessening arrange is no longer active.
Kasperowicz added that there are no further major staffing changes beyond those already outlined. The department emphasized that the current veterans affairs layoffs strategy will not compromise essential services or benefits and that critical roles are not included in the voluntary separation efforts.
Still, internal reports indicate that some administrative and management personnel have already left, placing added strain on healthcare staff at various VA facilities. These developments have reportedly affected morale across parts of the department.
While the VA has stepped back from large-scale layoffs, Secretary Collins noted that the agency remains committed to reform. “A department-wide reduction-in-force isn’t happening, but that doesn’t mean our work is done,” he said, adding that the ongoing review process has led to new strategies aimed at enhancing services for veterans.