U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with Senators Richard Blumenthal, Tim Kaine, and 19 other colleagues, has issued a call to President Donald Trump demanding the reinstatement of veterans who were allegedly illegally terminated in what they describe as mass terminations within the federal government. The letter highlights concerns about the impact these actions have on military and veteran communities.
The lawmakers' letter states: “Your Administration’s actions are damaging the economic security and morale of our military and veteran families, the federal government’s ability to recruit and retain high-quality talent, and ultimately, our national security.” They urge for an immediate reversal of these terminations with full back pay and benefits for those affected.
According to the letter, veterans constitute 30% of the federal workforce. It is estimated that more than 30,000 employees across various federal agencies have been terminated abruptly. This includes around 2,400 from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and thousands from the Department of Defense (DOD). The senators claim these individuals had exemplary performance records.
The senators express their discontent with what they view as "abrupt" and "unjustified" firings without consultation or transparency. They argue that such actions undermine both national security and public trust in government institutions.
In addition to Senators Hirono, Blumenthal, and Kaine, signatories include Angela Alsobrooks, Tammy Baldwin, Cory Booker, Tammy Duckworth, Richard Durbin, John Hickenlooper, Mark Kelly, Amy Klobuchar among others.
The letter concludes by calling for an end to what they describe as attacks on veterans: “We demand that you cease your attacks on our nation’s heroes...and immediately reinstate those who have been illegally fired with their full back pay and benefits.”