EDITOR:

Congressman Bergman,

On April 5, 2025 I sent you a message expressing concern that the Veterans Administration was facing a cut of 80,000 employees. I asked how those cuts would effect the VA hospital in Iron Mountain, the VA 4medical clinic in Gladstone and Vet Center in Escanaba. You did not respond therefore I will try to communicate with you through the Daily Press.

In an internal memo obtained by military.com the VA chief of staff wanted to fire 83,000 employees to reduce the staffing levels to 2019 levels. The PACT Act went into effect in 2022. It provides care for veterans suffering from illness caused by toxic substances encountered while serving. Millions of veterans became eligible under the PACT Act. Staff was hired accordingly. The number of veterans needing care have not been reduced.

On March 6th you issued a press release stating, “I’m concerned about the proposed 80,000 employee cuts at the Veteran Administration by the administration.” Indiscriminate cuts, similar to DOGE cuts in other federal agencies, might cut the most efficient employees in the most efficient departments. Those types of cuts would neither improve efficiency or save money. Your March 6 press release said that you would be meeting with Secretary Collins “to get some answers.”

What was the outcome of your meeting with Secretary Collins? Are there specific staffing cuts being proposed? If so, can you provide details? Are you certain those cuts will not be critical positions or employees?

How will these cuts impact the Oscar Johnson VA Hospital in Iron Mountain, the VA clinic in Gladstone, and the Vet Center in Escanaba?

What can we do to prevent unnecessary cuts to necessary services?

Richard Clark

Escanaba