Cantwell Joins 53 Members of Congress to Demand Trump Exempt Entire VA from Hiring Freeze

Federal Hiring Freeze Will Delay Veterans’ Access to Care and Benefits, and Hurt Veterans Seeking Federal Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) joined a group of 53 members of Congress to demand President Trump exempt the entire Veterans Administration (VA) and all veterans seeking federal jobs from his executive order that freezes federal hiring.
The members say Trump’s hiring freeze will have devastating impacts on veterans and their families.
“A hiring freeze at the VA will delay veterans’ access to health care and resolution of their disability claims, which for many of our nation’s heroes provides a sole source of income to them and their families,” the members wrote.  “Our nation’s veterans should not be made to sacrifice any more than they already have while you review federal hiring.”
The members additionally called on Trump to exempt all veterans seeking employment from his hiring freeze, underscoring that veterans make up 31 percent of the federal workforce. A hiring freeze across the federal government will hurt veterans, many of whom are transitioning from the military to civilian service and may be disabled.
“The negative impacts of this freeze will be felt across the country and disproportionately affect those men and women who have honorably served in our military,” they added.
Cantwell, and the other members emphasized that the hiring freeze will add to the chronic workforce shortages that are plaguing the VA, and that more doctors, nurses and administrative staff are needed at VA facilities to reduce wait times across the country and make payments on time.
Read more here
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-joins-53-members-of-congress-to-demand-trump-exempt-entire-va-from-hiring-freeze


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