Veterans groups urge Senate to stop delays on VA confirmations, citing risks to essential services and accountability.

Veterans’ organizations and senior officials are sounding the alarm over Senate Democrats’ procedural delays in confirming top Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) nominees, calling the hold a threat to vital services for America’s veterans. The criticism intensified ahead of Memorial Day, a time when national focus traditionally turns to honoring military service.

One of the most high-profile nominees affected is Sam Brown, a decorated Army veteran and former Senate candidate who sustained severe injuries while serving in Afghanistan. President Donald Trump nominated Brown to lead memorial affairs at the VA, overseeing national cemeteries and funeral services for veterans — totaling around 100,000 each year.

However, Brown and other key nominees have been stalled since April due to procedural holds placed by Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Ruben Gallego of Arizona. They insist the delay is not about individual candidates but stems from concerns over recent administrative actions within the VA, particularly mass firings initiated under the current leadership.

Veterans Organizations Voice Outrage

In a letter addressed to members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, nearly two dozen veterans’ groups expressed frustration at the delay. They emphasized that the VA has a relatively small number of presidentially nominated roles and that swift confirmations are essential to its operations. One group humorously offered to provide senators with coffee and donuts for weekend votes, signaling the urgency of the matter.

Vietnam Veterans of America and the Independence Fund were among those demanding immediate action, underscoring that Brown and other nominees had received favorable committee reports. Jack McManus, president of the VVA, criticized the obstruction as detrimental to the delivery of services veterans rely on daily.

Senator Angus King of Maine, an Independent, has aligned with Blumenthal and Gallego, noting that over 2,400 employees have already been dismissed from the VA. In Arizona alone, the Phoenix VA hospital is planning to lay off 800 workers — a facility already identified in a 2024 inspector general report as understaffed.

Senators Defend Delay, Demand Transparency

Blumenthal emphasized that while he respects Sam Brown’s service, the hold reflects deeper concerns. He accused Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins of undermining bipartisan oversight and failing to provide the committee with necessary information. He called for full Senate debate on the nominees instead of expedited voice votes.

“Before you hire new top VA bureaucrats, you should be rehiring the dedicated veterans you fired,” Blumenthal stated. Gallego echoed the sentiment, arguing that Collins prioritizes political appointees over protecting thousands of veterans and ensuring uninterrupted care.

Gallego, a veteran himself, criticized Collins’ leadership as reckless and said that unless the VA presents a clear plan to prevent service disruptions, continued resistance should be expected. “Show Congress the plan on how care won’t be impacted,” he said. “Anything short of that is political posturing.”

In response, Secretary Collins condemned the delay and questioned the motives of the senators. He argued that preventing qualified veterans from serving in leadership roles harms the very people the VA is designed to serve. “Despite their obstruction, we will reform the department to make it work better for veterans, families, caregivers and survivors,” he declared.

The standoff highlights a growing tension between demands for internal reform and the pressing need to fill critical vacancies. With Memorial Day bringing renewed attention to veterans’ issues, pressure is mounting for lawmakers to resolve the impasse and allow the VA to function at full capacity.