Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the Veterans Affairs Committee, has called for Doug Collins, the secretary of veterans affairs, to testify at an informal hearing next week. The hearing aims to discuss the impacts of the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce on veterans and the agency that serves them.
It is anticipated that Mr. Collins will decline the invitation, as Mr. Blumenthal, being a member of the minority party, lacks the authority to officially call a hearing or set the agenda for the panel. This initiative represents a broader effort by Senate Democrats to scrutinize President Trump’s policies and their effects on Americans, particularly when Republicans controlling Congress have not utilized their oversight power in official contexts.
Initial job reductions at the Veterans Affairs Department and the cancellation of numerous contracts have led to significant disruptions within the agency, affecting treatment studies and resulting in layoffs of support staff. Mr. Collins has indicated plans for further cuts, potentially eliminating around 80,000 jobs and reviewing tens of thousands of contracts.
In his announcement, Mr. Blumenthal highlighted the urgent need for congressional oversight during what he termed a “moment of crisis for veterans.” He stated that it is the responsibility of Congress to illuminate the effects of the recent cuts on veterans and Department of Veterans Affairs employees.
This situation reflects a decline in the traditionally bipartisan relationship between Mr. Blumenthal and Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, the Republican chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee. They have previously collaborated on various legislative efforts aimed at enhancing medical facilities managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and improving veterans' lives.
Mr. Blumenthal’s initiative is reminiscent of similar actions taken by Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who organized a “shadow hearing” in February to question Elon Musk about changes to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Musk did not attend, and Democrats had no means to compel his appearance.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, employing nearly 500,000 individuals, has become a key target of the Trump administration’s overhaul initiatives due to its intricate structure and history of scandals and inefficiencies.
“Hearing from veterans and impacted stakeholders firsthand is the first step toward holding this administration accountable for their reckless and lawless directives,” Mr. Blumenthal stated.