Current status is Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text: CR S2528-2529: 4)

119th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. RES. 166

Demanding the immediate reinstatement of all veteran Federal employees involuntarily removed or otherwise dismissed without cause since January 20, 2025.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

April 9, 2025

Ms. Duckworth submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

RESOLUTION

Whereas, on February 13, 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs (in this preamble referred to as the Department) issued a statement dismissing more than 1,000 employees, including Veterans Crisis Line workers;

Whereas, on February 24, 2025, the Department issued a statement dismissing an additional 1,400 employees, once again including Veterans Crisis Line workers;

Whereas, on March 4, 2025, the Department distributed an internal memorandum outlining plans to dismiss up to 83,000 employees this year;

Whereas, at least 6,000 veterans have been dismissed across the Federal workforce because of the Trump administration’s sweep of mass terminations across the Federal Government;

Whereas, despite repeated demands for transparency and good governance, Members of Congress and the United States public have yet to receive—

(1) - data or justification about—

(A) - the decision-making process that lead to these involuntary dismissals; or

(B) - the already existing disruptions to several critical Department programs; or

(2) - the Administration’s plan for the future of the Department;

Whereas veterans make up 30 percent of the Federal workforce, serving first in uniform and then choosing to continue to serve in the Federal Government; and

Whereas it is the duty of the United States to support our veterans by making sure they have the benefits and care they were promised: Now, therefore, be it

That it is the sense of the Senate that any veteran Federal employee that was involuntarily removed or otherwise dismissed without cause since January 20, 2025, should—

(1) - be immediately reinstated with guaranteed full and timely back pay; and

(2) - receive timely notice of their reinstatement with clear instructions on the path forward for their position, with clear understanding, communication, and oversight from their respective chains of command.

119-SRES166

A resolution demanding the immediate reinstatement of all veteran Federal employees involuntarily removed or otherwise dismissed without cause since January 20, 2025.