Moran Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen VA Workforce, Improve Outcomes for Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), both members of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, are introducing bipartisan legislation that would require the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) to develop a long-term workforce strategy to improve outcomes at the VA. The Optimizing the VA Workforce for Veterans Act would direct the VA to develop, maintain, and provide Congress with a strategic plan that aligns staffing levels with current and projected demand for VA services, down to the local level, and in accordance with industry best practices.

The VA would further be required to set goals and strategies to improve the productivity of the workforce, recruit and retain veterans, military spouses, veteran caregivers and survivors to fulfill staffing needs and reduce the time it takes to hire and onboard new employees. This legislation also requires VA to notify Congress in advance of significant staffing changes or a reduction in force, with a detailed justification of potential impacts. This comes on the heels of the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) indiscriminate cuts last year to the VA workforce and its services.

"Our veterans served this country with grit and class, and now it is our turn to return the favor and provide access to the high-quality care and benefits they have rightly earned," said Senator King. "The current workforce shortage at the VA is an unforced error that we must now expeditiously work to mitigate. The bipartisan Optimizing the VA Workforce for Veterans Act would require the VA to produce a long-term workforce strategy that would improve outcomes for our veterans - going down to the most local level, matching industry best practices, and taking into account the current and future demand for services. I am grateful to work alongside my colleague and friend, Senator Moran, to continue prioritizing our American heroes."

"Veterans deserve a VA workforce that is adequately staffed to deliver the healthcare and benefits they have earned through service," said Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Senator Moran. "By creating a mandatory workforce strategy focused on improved outcomes, this legislation will help the department more effectively recruit, retain and manage its workforce. Through this legislation, VA will be better equipped to provide veterans, their spouses, dependents and survivors with the timely, high-quality health care and benefits they deserve. I appreciate Sen. King for joining me on this legislation, and I look forward to working toward its passage."

"Veterans deserve a VA that works for them, delivering the benefits and services that will make a meaningful difference in their lives after service," said Joseph R. Chenelly, National Executive Director, AMVETS. "VA's workforce strategy must track with the needs of veterans across the country in order for VA to meet its mission. I thank Chairman Moran and Senator King for introducing this important legislation."

"The Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) strongly supports Senator Moran and King's Optimizing the Department of Veterans Affairs Workforce bill," said Michelle Salazar-Rodriguez, NOVA President. "We commend the requirement for a comprehensive five-year strategic human capital plan. With this plan, the legislation aims to ensure Veterans and their families receive timely access to high-quality care. By calling for thorough assessments of current and projected demand for each VA benefit and service, along with a workforce gap analysis aligned with industry best practices, the bill takes a thoughtful and forward-thinking approach to building a stronger VA workforce. As nurses who care for Veterans, we believe this balanced approach will benefit Veterans and VA staff and urge Congress to pass the bill quickly."

Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America's servicemembers and veterans. Additionally, King has repeatedly spoken out against cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs workforce. During a SVAC hearing in January, King pressed VA Secretary Doug Collins to release the VA contracts that he canceled, including those canceled in Maine, so that veterans are aware of potential impacts on patient care and benefits. Last year, he sent a letter to Secretary Doug Collins raising concerns about a leaked report that highlighted plans called for by Elon Musk's DOGE to cut 83,000 VA employees. Earlier this year, he was honored by The American Legion with its 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award. Last year, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. He was also recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his "outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans."

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