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FIRST ON FOX: A coalition of veterans’ organizations, alongside Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, is voicing strong criticism against Senate Democrats for postponing crucial agency nominations. This delay comes amidst concerns that some issues raised are perceived as unserious or akin to “DOGE-type” controversies.
Among the nominations at a standstill is Sam Brown, a decorated Army captain and former Nevada senatorial candidate who sustained severe injuries while serving in Afghanistan. Brown, nominated by President Donald Trump as the undersecretary for memorial affairs, is entrusted with overseeing the maintenance of veterans’ cemeteries and the facilitation of approximately 100,000 burial ceremonies each year.
A letter from around two dozen veterans’ groups addressed to Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), ranking member Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and caucus leaders, was obtained by Fox News Digital on Friday. In the letter, these organizations express respect for the Senate’s advising and consenting responsibilities, yet they are discontent with the current delays.
The groups highlighted that the Department of Veterans Affairs has a limited number of presidentially nominated positions compared to other agencies. They pointed out that nominees from different agencies frequently receive expedited consideration, sometimes even during weekends and late nights. “We are ready to bring the senators coffee and donuts during those late-night sessions, following the Senate’s gift and ethics rules,” stated the groups in their letter.
Brown and all nominees proposed since April find themselves caught in procedural obstructions orchestrated by Senator Blumenthal and Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.). However, these lawmakers emphasize that their actions are not personal; instead, they aim to prevent widespread firings and rectify issues stemming from the previous administration.
Senator Angus King (I-Maine) revealed that he would support Blumenthal and Gallego after a confirmation hearing for Brown, Marine Lt. Colonel James Baehr for general counsel, and Army veteran Richard Topping for VA Chief Financial Officer was canceled due to procedural delays.
“To date, we have experienced 2,400 firings already,” King noted, according to reports from Stars & Stripes.
The Vietnam Veterans of America also weighed in with their own letter, urging for the swift confirmation of Brown, Baehr, and Topping. They highlighted that all three veterans received positive reviews during the nomination process conducted by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee on April 9th, according to VVA President Jack McManus.
Additionally, the Independence Fund, which aids severely wounded veterans by providing resources such as trackchairs, emphasized that a fully staffed VA central office is vital to their mission.
Last week, during an attempt to confirm Brown through unanimous consent, which requires no audible objections, Senator Moran was interrupted by Blumenthal, who sought to block the motion.
The two senators shared a commitment to prioritizing veterans’ needs. “I think we also share a respect for Sam Brown and his daunting service to our nation as a decorated veteran,” Blumenthal remarked.
Blumenthal, who faced criticism from Trump, particularly regarding his service history, said the lack of unanimous support in committee raised concerns about Brown’s nomination, citing a close 10-9 vote.
He further argued that this issue transcends Sam Brown’s nomination. It centers on information that has been withheld from both the committee and senators. Blumenthal accused the VA Secretary of undermining bipartisan oversight efforts.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Collins firmly rejected Blumenthal’s accusations, denouncing the ongoing delays.
“Consider how much better America’s veterans would fare if Senators Blumenthal and Gallego invested as much energy into rectifying the department’s bureaucratic failures as they do into obstructing the appointments of wounded combat veterans to the VA,” Collins stated.
Collectively, Collins and his team are determined to reform the department for the benefit of veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors, despite the obstruction they are facing.
Gallego clarified that his resistance to Brown is not personal but rather focused on holding the agency accountable, explaining that he aims to reverse what he termed “hack-job firings.”
In a statement, Gallego asserted that Secretary Collins prioritizes three political appointments over the welfare of thousands of veterans who risk losing their jobs and care.
“Having served this country and received care from the VA, I understand how important this issue is for veterans. Abandoning them, as Secretary Collins seems to advocate, is reckless and un-American. Collins must demonstrate to Congress how veteran care will remain unaffected. Anything less is merely political rhetoric,” Gallego declared.
The situation in Gallego’s Arizona, particularly the Phoenix VA hospital, is alarming; the facility plans to lay off 800 employees, further compounding an existing staffing shortage detailed in a 2024 inspector general report.
Surveys conducted among veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan reveal heightened anxiety regarding potential cuts to VA services, particularly in relation to health care and benefits.
Fox News has sought comments from Senator King to contribute further context to this unfolding story.
As the debate surrounding these veteran nominations intensifies, the implications for both the VA and the millions of veterans it serves cannot be underestimated. The push for timely confirmations amid significant obstacles demonstrates a commitment to ensuring veteran interests remain at the forefront of legislative priorities.
