Gallego Plans to Block VA Nominees as Protest Against Trump Administration

Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego has announced his decision to block the confirmation of key leaders at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This declaration signals a heightened level of tension as Democrats oppose the Trump administration’s proposed job cuts at the agency, which provides essential services to millions of veterans.

Gallego, a Democrat and Marine Corps veteran, made his announcement ahead of a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing where three military veteran nominees were scheduled to testify. His move marks a significant escalation in the Democratic effort to counteract President Trump’s plans to reduce the size of federal agencies, as the committee has historically seen bipartisan cooperation.

Speaking with The Associated Press, Gallego emphasized the importance of using every available tool to advocate for veterans. “Talking to veterans, people that I served with, as well as seeing some of what’s happening in Arizona, I decided that whatever tool I have to fix the situation, I’m going to use it,” he stated.

Gallego remains firm in his stance, stating that cutting over 80,000 positions at the VA amounts to a failure in caring for veterans. His position is clear: “This shouldn’t be a hard ask: Stop trying to fire over 80,000 people who care for veterans. Until then, I’m blocking Trump’s VA nominees.”

The holds that Gallego has placed on these nominations will impede the Senate’s ability to swiftly confirm VA nominees, potentially causing significant delays. Currently, 13 Senate-confirmed positions exist at the VA, including Secretary Doug Collins and Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence, both of whom have been confirmed. Five other nominations await approval, while six positions remain unfilled.

Notably, this maneuver aligns with previous actions taken by other senators. For example, Senator Tommy Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, blocked promotions within the military in protest of Pentagon policies on abortion before ultimately yielding under party pressure.

Gallego recognizes the risks associated with his decision. Despite his previous collaboration with Collins, he voiced frustrations regarding the VA’s leadership and their lack of transparency. The VA’s decision to reduce its staff by over 80,000, reverting to 2019 staffing levels, raises major concerns, particularly as it coincides with the agency’s responsibilities under the 2022 PACT Act for veterans affected by toxic exposure.

While Collins assures that veterans’ benefits will remain intact, Gallego and other Democrats challenge this claim, warning of the potential implications for care quality. The senator highlighted a directive received by a VA hospital in Arizona to cut 15% of its workforce, underscoring his doubts about the feasibility of such reductions without impacting care.

“As someone who actually has used that VA, you know I had services there done in the past. There’s no way they’re going to be able to cut 15% of the workforce, and it’s not going to impact veterans’ benefits,” he asserted, emphasizing the urgency of the situation for those who served.