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1,000 Employee Exodus from VA
Additional executive actions from President Trump, lawmakers protest at VA HQ, and more developing stories as political pressures loom over Capitol Hill.
After the long weekend, the nation’s capital is preparing for a crucial week of key votes and nomination considerations. The Senate will be the only chamber in session over the next few days, facing a packed agenda with the looming pressures of reconciliation and a potential budget showdown.
Tomorrow, the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee will hold a hearing to review VA Deputy Secretary nominee Paul Lawrence. We anticipate insightful questions from the Committee and look forward to having a new deputy join Secretary Doug Collins at the department soon.
In this week’s Nimitz Report:
“Those kids are heroes”: GOP Congressman defends DOGE employees
One thousand employees exit VA: Probationary workers shown the door
Protest at VA HQ: Lawmakers and demonstrators sound the alarm
⏰ Tick tock: Lawmakers have less than one month to solidify a funding deal or risk shutting down the federal government. A clear, public plan has yet to reveal itself.
WHO’S HAVING EVENTS THIS WEEK?
Red Star: House Event, Blue Star: Senate Event, Purple Star: Other Event
Wednesday, February 17th
✅ Full Committee Hearing: Hearing to Consider Pending Nominations, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) at 9:30 am. Watch here.
NEWS DRIVING THE WEEK
Last week, Democratic lawmakers joined VA employees to protest potential cuts to the department’s funding and workforce.
Congressional News
House and Senate Republicans are priming to face off over their competing strategies to pass President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda. The Senate is expected to vote on the GOP’s budget resolution this week, showing no signs of compromise with the House’s version. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has acknowledged the time constraint on this effort, and despite attempts to coordinate with House Speaker Mike Johnson, an agreement has not been reached. Both sides of the GOP are eager to get a win on the board during Trump’s first 100 days before turning to other pressing policy matters.
During an interview with Fox News on Sunday, Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee compared staffers working at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to young World War II soldiers. He referenced his father’s combat experience at the time, saying, “My dad was 20 or 21 years old when he took those [World War II guns] off of dead Japanese soldiers that he killed in combat to save this world, the Greatest Generation. So, and all these so-called kids that we tend to demean are actually heroes.” Rep. Burchett went on to defend DOGE and justify the government spending cuts made by employees to improve efficiency.
Veteran News
The VA has confirmed that over 1,000 staff members were dismissed last week to save the department more than $98 million per year. According to the statement, all who were let go were non-bargaining unit probationary employees who had served less than a year in a competitive service appointment or who had served less than two years in an excepted service appointment. VA Secretary Doug Collins said, “This was a tough decision, but ultimately it’s the right call to better support the Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors the department exists to serve. To be perfectly clear: these moves will not negatively impact VA health care, benefits, or beneficiaries.”
Last Thursday, lawmakers and several dozen VA employees protested against staffing shortages and potential funding cuts for veterans programs at the department’s headquarters in Washington, DC. Demonstrator signs read “Save our VA, stop the bleeding” while Democratic Senators like SVAC Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal and Amy Klobuchar warned against the actions of the Trump administration. Prior to the event, VA Secretary Doug Collins released a video message, claiming, “There’s a rumor going around right now about veterans benefits being cut. I’m secretary, and let me tell you right now, that ain’t happening.”
Key veterans service organization (VSO) leaders released a joint document outlining “independent budget recommendations” for the 119th Congress. Collaborators from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) marketed the report as an unbiased framework for action to ensure veterans and their families are receiving the care they deserve. These VSOs and several others are set to testify before a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees next week to outline their legislative priorities for the year. To access the full report, click here.
National News
President Donald Trump is expected to sign more executive orders this afternoon that will continue driving his agenda forward. The administration has not commented on what these will entail, but previous actions have included directives on border security, the environment, and diversity initiatives. A joint TV interview with Trump and adviser Elon Musk is scheduled to air tonight in prime time, filmed last Friday at the White House.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
In his role as a Senior Advisor to the President, Mr. Musk has no greater authority than other senior White House advisors.
FOR FUN
We hope everyone had a lovely Valentine’s Day and subsequent long weekend. Danielle had a delicious dinner at Lyon Hall in Arlington on Friday to celebrate. If you ever have any recommendations for restaurants, please send them her way.
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