Ranking Member Takano's Statement on Today's VA and AFGE Agreement

RIVERSIDE, CA – Today House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (CA-39) released the following statement after the announcement that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) have signed a new contract for over 300,000 employees: 

“I applaud VA Secretary Denis McDonough, his team, and the dedicated civil-servants at AFGE for coming to an agreement that has been years in the making. Anyone who has ever visited a VA facility knows just how dedicated VA employees are to their sole mission of serving veterans. As the Honoring our PACT Act is implemented, it is more important than ever that VA retain and hire more employees to process benefits, screen veterans for toxic-exposure, and care for veterans who are ill.  

President Biden and House Democrats are committed to supporting veterans and ensuring they have access to the care and benefits they deserve. Democrats will always stand against attacks on unions and workers and we strongly support unions as they exercise the right to collectively bargain for workplace protections. Today’s agreement demonstrates that commitment for thousands of AFGE workers, many of whom are veterans themselves, and their families. Today’s signed agreement is welcome news for veterans across the country who get their care and benefits from VA.” 

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