Statement: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Workforce Cuts

March 6, 2025

Statement by Secretary Anthony Woods on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Workforce Cuts

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF) stands in strong opposition to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) plans to cut 82,000 employees across its nationwide system. These drastic reductions will have devastating consequences for Maryland veterans, who rely on the VA for healthcare, benefits, and critical support services.

There is no doubt that the VA can improve operations, but this is not a matter of efficiency—it is a direct threat to the well-being of those who have sacrificed for our country. These cuts will mean longer wait times for benefits and claims processing, increased delays in medical appointments, diminished quality of care at VA hospitals and clinics, and reduced access to the mental health resources that help prevent veteran suicide. Maryland veterans are already feeling the impact of layoffs that have included claims adjudicators and crisis line staff—positions that are essential to serving those who have borne the cost of war.

As Secretary, I have an obligation to ensure that Maryland veterans are not left behind. Our department is committed to making sure their voices are heard and that they receive the care and support they deserve. We will continue to advocate for the resources and staffing necessary to uphold the promise our nation made to those who served.

We also need to hear directly from our veteran community. If you have recently experienced longer-than-expected wait times, cancellations, or a decline in the quality of care, please share your story with us. Your experiences matter, and we are committed to demanding action and accountability on your behalf.

Maryland’s commitment to its veterans is unwavering, and we will not allow these cuts to jeopardize their health, stability, or dignity. No veteran should be left without the care and benefits they have earned. 

We will fight for them because they fought for us.

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Media Contact:
Tiffany Young
Director of Communications
tiffany.young1@maryland.gov
667-270-1645 (m)