A day after Claiming it had found $2 billion in Savings, via the Axing of Hundreds of Contracts, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on Wednesday paused the Effort. The Major Reversal, which came a day after VA Secretary Doug Collins (R) Publicly touted the Cancellation of up to 875 Contracts in a Video posted to Social Media, was Relayed in an Email to Agency Staff.
“VA Leadership is reconsidering previous guidance,” the email states. The Axing was Halted and “further contract reviews will be conducted to arrive at a new final decision.” In a Statement to The Hill, an Agency Spokesperson Confirmed the Agency’s Contract Review, which “is ongoing and no final decisions have been made.”
“We’re reviewing VA’s various contracts, and we will be canceling many focusing on non-mission critical things like PowerPoint slides, executive support, and coaching,” they said. “We will not be eliminating any benefits or services to Veterans or VA beneficiaries, and there will be no negative impact to VA health care, benefits or beneficiaries. We are always going to take care of Veterans at VA. Period.”
Collins, in a Video posted to X, said the Cancellations would save the VA $2 billion that could be Redirected back to Veterans’ Health Care and Benefits. The to-be-Canceled Payments were for Services such as “Executive Support,” and Staff Coaching and Training. He added that this was only the Start of Weeding out Unnecessary Contracts and more was to come.
But Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), said the Contracts the VA was looking to Axe “provide critical services to veterans and their families, and allow VA to conduct oversight operations to identify waste, fraud, and abuse,” according to a Statement released Tuesday.
Among those on the Chopping Block, Blumenthal said, were Contracts to help Process Disability Compensation Benefits, Modernize the VA Home Loan Program, cover Medical Services, provide Cancer Care, Recruit Doctors and other Medical Staff, and provide Burial Services to Veterans. On Wednesday, He pointed to the VA's temporary reversal as proof that the agency is "in turmoil."
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
No comments:
Post a Comment