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Veterans Affairs nurses protest potential staffing cuts by Trump

Chicago, ILLocal News

Nurses at the Jesse Brown VA Hospital protested against the Trump administration's plan to cut 80,000 employees from the Department of Veterans Affairs, fearing dire consequences for veterans' healthcare. Organized by National Nurses United, the rally featured slogans like "Veterans need care not cuts," emphasizing the critical need for adequate staffing. A leaked memo revealed that VA officials were instructed to prepare for staffing reductions, potentially rolling back to 2019 levels despite record service enrollment last year. Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins claimed that the layoffs would not impact veterans' healthcare; however, many nurses and veterans voiced skepticism at the rally. Personal stories were shared, highlighting how timely VA intervention had saved lives, particularly in crisis situations.

The protest brought attention to the broader implications of federal staffing cuts, as many VA employees are veterans themselves. U. S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia condemned the cuts, labeling them a shameful act against those who have served.

As the healthcare system for veterans faces potential upheaval, the stakes remain high for those reliant on VA services.

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