The Friends of the VA Medical Care and Health Research (FOVA) Coalition executive committee, of which the AAMC is a member, sent a Feb. 20 letter (PDF) expressing concern to House and Senate committee leadership regarding the ongoing federal hiring freeze, the recent dismissal of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees, and impact on veteran care, patient safety, and medical research conducted at VA medical centers nationwide. Specifically, the letter urged the administration and congress to halt and rescind the dismissals of key VA medical and research staff and to exempt all roles related to medical care and research from the federal hiring freeze. “These actions are necessary to protect veteran health, maintain medical research momentum, and prevent irreparable harm to VA’s ability to deliver high-quality care,” the letter noted.
- Washington Highlights