Mass VA Layoffs Could Hit San Antonio’s Large Federal Workforce
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is preparing for mass layoffs that could begin as early as June, according to a March 6 memo reviewed by Reuters. The reduction in force (RIF) is expected to eliminate more than 80,000 jobs across the agency, making it one of the largest workforce cuts in the federal government.
What About San Antonio?
For San Antonio—a city with a deep military presence and one of the largest veteran populations in the country—this move could have widespread consequences. With multiple military bases, the South Texas Veterans Health Care System, and numerous VA clinics serving thousands of veterans, the VA’s workforce in the region plays a crucial role in providing medical care, benefits assistance, and support services.
While the VA has not yet detailed how the cuts will affect specific locations, the scale of the layoffs raises concerns about the impact on both federal workers and the veterans who rely on them. The department’s memo instructed human resources teams to begin reviewing operations, with layoffs expected to be implemented shortly after the review is completed in June.
”Thorough and Thoughtful”?
In response to inquiries, the VA pointed to an opinion piece by VA Secretary Doug Collins, in which he described the reductions as “thorough and thoughtful.” However, the move has already drawn criticism from both political parties. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, called it a “full-scale, no-holds-barred assault on veterans” that puts their healthcare in “grave danger.” Meanwhile, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) condemned the decision, calling it “political malpractice” for not consulting Congress before proceeding.
The layoffs are part of a broader initiative under former President Donald Trump and his adviser Elon Musk to significantly shrink the federal government’s workforce. However, for cities like San Antonio—where thousands of federal employees work at military installations, VA hospitals, clinics, and administrative offices—the cuts could mean fewer resources for the veterans who depend on them and a lot of unemployed residents.
As the June timeline approaches, the community will be watching closely to see how these layoffs unfold and how they will affect the many veterans who call San Antonio home.
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