AFGE Local 1061 Update
January 23, 2026
“These policies—including a hiring freeze, illegal mass firings of VA employees, encouraged departures of more than 30,000 staff, and cancellation of thousands of contracts providing critical services and support to veterans—have reversed progress made over multiple Administrations and years of bipartisan work.
At the same time, VA’s communication under Secretary Collins—the least transparent Secretary in recent memory—has become delayed, distorted, and disingenuous. The Department has slow-walked and stonewalled Congressional oversight; retreated from long-held expectations of accountability and disclosure; and politicized the Department to an unprecedented degree.”
— Senator Richard Blumenthal
Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
BREAKING THE PACT
Impacts of Trump, DOGE, and Secretary Collins’ Ongoing Assault on Veterans
A newly released Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs report provides a detailed, firsthand account of the current state of the Department of Veterans Affairs—told directly through the voices of veterans and VA employees.
The report documents how recent policy decisions are affecting:
- VA staffing and workforce stability
- Employee morale and retention
- Access to care and benefits for veterans and their families
These findings are grounded in testimony from frontline employees, veterans, caregivers, and stakeholders across the VA system.
Why this report matters to AFGE Local 1061 members
- Frontline perspectives: Elevates the voices of VA employees experiencing these changes firsthand
- Workforce impact: Highlights staffing pressures that directly affect working conditions and patient care
- Veteran outcomes: Shows how workforce instability impacts the quality and timeliness of services
- Informed advocacy: Provides credible documentation to support union advocacy and Congressional oversight
Take Action
We encourage all members to read and share this report. Staying informed strengthens our collective voice, supports transparency, and reinforces solidarity between VA workers and the veterans we serve.
👉 Read and share the report here:
https://www.veterans.senate.gov/services/files/A08A4C86-DB56-4A01-B98F-6ED1CF3F2B7A