The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the implementation of thousands of exemptions to President Donald Trump’s recently enacted federal hiring freeze.
“VA remains committed to being deliberative in the hiring actions taken to ensure we are postured for success as we implement overall modernization efforts and reform plans in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget,” acting VA Secretary Todd Hunter said in a memo announcing the exemptions on Jan. 24. “To this end, prior to authorizing recruitment for vacant positions, VA leaders must certify that actions are aligned with VA goals, priorities, and modernization plans and support the more efficient and effective delivery of services to veterans.”
A Jan. 20 executive order announcing the freeze notes that it does not apply to military personnel or to positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, or public safety.
“Moreover, nothing in this memorandum shall adversely impact the provision of Social Security, Medicare, or veterans’ benefits,” the executive order reads.
In his memo, Hunter detailed more than 304,000 jobs, including nurses, pharmacists, optometrists, podiatrists, physical therapists, and medical technologists, that would be exempt from the freeze.
These exemptions clarify the department’s ability to continue filling essential positions that provide health care and other vital services to veterans and VA beneficiaries, VA said in a release.
In testimony before the Senate VA Committee on Jan. 21, Trump’s pick for VA Secretary Doug Collins said he might ask for hiring exemptions for open benefits positions in the department.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.