Congresswoman Nikema Williams Demands Answers on How VA Workforce Decisions Will Impact Veterans’ Access to Care and Benefits

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) sent an inquiry to Secretary Department of Veterans Affairs Douglas A. Collins demanding answers and data on VA employee departures and their effect on the VA’s ability to serve Veterans the care and benefits they have earned.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) wrote: 

“Your recent decision to terminate collective bargaining agreements for the vast majority of VA workers will most certainly lead to more employees choosing to leave the Department and fewer prospective workers choosing VA as an employer. Veterans’ access to their earned care and benefits will be affected.

You are a former Member of Congress who represented the State of Georgia, so I find your actions as Secretary disappointing. As a reminder, the State of Georgia is home to some of the best champions for veterans in Georgia like former U.S. Senators Max Cleland and Johnny Isakson. The veterans and constituents I represent deserve a full and transparent accounting of how these policies are affecting the services they rely on. I urge your prompt attention to this request and look forward to your detailed response by August 29, 2025.”

The letter requests a more detailed understanding of the VA current workforce situation in the Fighting Fifth so that the Congresswoman can assess the impact to the veterans she represents. Specifically, the letter demands data concerning employee departures and data on canceled or rescheduled veteran appointments due to staff shortages. 

Read the full letter here.