By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Pew PatriotsPew PatriotsPew Patriots
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Reading: VA claims $2B in savings from contract cuts, vows no benefits impact
Share
Font ResizerAa
Pew PatriotsPew Patriots
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Search
  • Home
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
VA claims B in savings from contract cuts, vows no benefits impact
Tactical

VA claims $2B in savings from contract cuts, vows no benefits impact

Jimmie Dempsey
Last updated: February 26, 2025 7:50 pm
Jimmie Dempsey Published February 26, 2025
Share
SHARE

Veterans Affairs leaders this week touted $2 billion in savings for department efforts from canceled government contracts they insist were not providing real benefits to veterans, but critics are warning the efforts could seriously jeopardize some health and benefits services.

In a video message posted to social media Tuesday, VA Secretary Doug Collins said the contract cuts were just the first step in broader efficiency efforts at the department.

“These are things that we’re saving now that we can put back into health care, benefits, making sure that we’re doing what the VA is supposed to do,” Collins said.

He described the contracts as costing millions “to create things like PowerPoint slides and meeting minutes” as well as “coaching and training.”

VA officials declined a request to release the full list of contracts canceled, which Collins appeared to be holding in his video message. If accurate, the $2 billion in savings would represent about 0.5% of the entire VA budget for fiscal 2025.

RELATED

A VA spokesperson said that the contract review “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.”

Capitol Hill staffers were told about 875 contracts were canceled, but only about 30 are listed on the Department of Government Oversight’s web page of wasteful and redundant government contracts.

They include a contract of about $123,000 for a telehealth outreach service to women veterans and about $45,000 for COVID-19 health care services. Washington Technology reported that at least 20 of those contracts were for veteran-owned businesses, several of which are run by service-disabled veterans.

Senate Veterans Affairs Committee ranking member Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said that his office has seen canceled contracts related to military records processing for VA disability claims, National Cemetery Administration outreach efforts, hospital recruiting of doctors and medical staff and inspections of medical equipment.

“To say abruptly cancelling these services won’t impact veterans’ care and benefits is another unrealistic promise from Collins,” Blumenthal said in a statement. “This is just another reckless cost-cutting decision that will harm veterans and taxpayers for years to come.”

Collins in his message dismissed criticism from lawmakers and the media over the cuts as off-base.

The contract cuts came just one day after the latest round of VA staff dismissals, which now total close to 2,500 individuals since President Donald Trump took office. Collins said to expect more efficiency moves in coming weeks.

Leo covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He has covered Washington, D.C. since 2004, focusing on military personnel and veterans policies. His work has earned numerous honors, including a 2009 Polk award, a 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism award and the VFW News Media award.

Read the full article here

You Might Also Like

Three New Cartridges Accepted by SAAMI

Trump asks Supreme Court to let transgender military ban take effect

Sacrifice made soldier first Hispanic American MOH recipient of WWII

Plan Ahead

Navy fires commanding officer of Navy Reserve Center Cheyenne

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We Recommend
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova reacts as Oregon HS girls refuse to share podium with trans athlete
News

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova reacts as Oregon HS girls refuse to share podium with trans athlete

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey June 2, 2025
As US braces for ‘significant’ wildfires, Trump’s agriculture secretary addresses Forest Service departures
China accuses Hegseth of espousing ‘Cold War mentality’ for labeling country as a threat: ‘Vilified’
Tensions rise as Israel strongly denies firing on Palestinians at Gaza humanitarian site
Massachusetts Governor demands answers after ICE arrests Milford High School student
US politicians, Jewish groups condemn ‘horrifying’ Boulder terror attack: ‘Vile, antisemitic act of terror’
Chase Chrisley celebrates Julie and Todd Chrisley’s prison release as his ‘best’ birthday gift
News

Chase Chrisley celebrates Julie and Todd Chrisley’s prison release as his ‘best’ birthday gift

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey June 2, 2025
Mohamed Sabry Soliman: What we know about illegal immigrant accused in Colorado terror attack
News

Mohamed Sabry Soliman: What we know about illegal immigrant accused in Colorado terror attack

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey June 2, 2025
Ukraine’s ‘Spider’s Web’ drone strike burns over 40 Russian warplanes, Moscow calls it ‘terrorist attack’
News

Ukraine’s ‘Spider’s Web’ drone strike burns over 40 Russian warplanes, Moscow calls it ‘terrorist attack’

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey June 2, 2025
Pew Patriots
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
  • Guns and Gear
2024 © Pew Patriots. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?