February 14, 2025

Ranking Member Takano Demands Accountability From Secretary Collins Over Mass VA Employee Firings

The letter to Secretary Collins was signed by Representatives Julia Brownley, Sheila Cherfilus McCormick, Morgan McGarvey, Delia Ramirez, Nikki Budzinski, Tim Kennedy, Maxine Dexter M.D., Herb Conaway M.D., & Kelly Morrison M.D.

Press Contact

Elain Shubat

WASHINGTON — Today House Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano issued the following statement condemning Secretary Collins' recent dismissal of over 1,000 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees:

"I am deeply disturbed by Secretary Collins' celebratory statement regarding the mass firing of more than 1,000 VA employees. This action demonstrates a shocking disregard for the dedicated workforce that serves our nation's veterans. Among those terminated were 100% service-connected disabled veterans, military spouses, and critical medical researchers who have devoted their careers to improving veterans' lives.

These dismissals will have far-reaching consequences—not only for the now-unemployed workers and their families but also for the quality of care our veterans receive. Secretary Collins' actions represent a clear departure from our nation’s sacred promise to care for veterans and their families.

Today, I am sending a letter to Secretary Collins’ demanding immediate answers regarding these dismissals.

Specifically, I have requested:

  • A comprehensive accounting of all VA employees dismissed since January 20, 2025, including their roles, veteran status, and legal justification for termination

  • Complete performance review histories for all terminated employees

  • A detailed breakdown of dismissals across all VA administrations and offices

The Committee demands full transparency for veterans and the American people about these actions and their impact on VA operations. Our veterans deserve better than an administration that carelessly discards, with apparent pride, the very workforce dedicated to their care—showing no regard for their service or sacrifice.

While Chairman Bost is choosing to trust his friend, I expect answers and evidence. Secretary Collins must respond to both my February 6 letter and these additional inquiries. Committee Democrats will exercise their full oversight authority to ensure accountability for these actions and we will work to ensure veterans benefits and safety is not impacted by this Administration’s harmful actions."

Correction: A previous version of this statement paraphrased remarks from Chairman Bost but mistakenly presented them as a direct quote. We regret the error and have updated the statement accordingly.

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