1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern over the continued efforts by Russell Vought and this administration to weaken federal agencies, undermine the civil service, and erode the services that millions of Americans depend upon every day. Recent proposals affecting the Department of Veterans Affairs have raised serious alarms among veterans’ organizations, employee unions, and public servants who see firsthand how these changes could harm both employees and the people they serve. Critics warn that provisions within newly introduced VA legislation could weaken employee rights, reduce accountability, and increase privatization of services that veterans have earned through their sacrifice. Federal agencies are not obstacles to be dismantled. They are the institutions that administer Social Security benefits, care for veterans, protect public health, safeguard consumers, process disaster assistance, and ensure that Americans receive the services funded by their tax dollars. When experienced public servants are driven out, collective bargaining rights are attacked, staffing is reduced, and agency expertise is discarded, the American people ultimately pay the price. The repeated attacks on the federal workforce appear designed not to improve government but to weaken it. Americans deserve efficient and accountable government, but efficiency should never be used as a justification for dismantling the very institutions that serve the public. Efforts that strip workers of protections, reduce transparency, and push essential services toward privatization threaten the long term stability of government operations and public trust. The federal workforce exists to serve the American people, not political agendas. These employees process retirement claims, deliver benefits to disabled Americans, care for veterans, respond to disasters, protect our food and water, and ensure that critical government functions continue every day. Weakening these agencies harms not only federal workers but also the citizens who depend upon them. I urge you to stand up for federal employees, veterans, retirees, and all Americans who rely on these vital services. Please oppose efforts that weaken federal agencies, diminish employee rights, and prioritize ideological goals over effective public service. Congress must invest in and strengthen our public institutions, not undermine them. The strength of our nation depends upon a professional, nonpartisan civil service that can carry out its mission without political interference. I ask that you defend that principle and reject policies that put Americans at risk. Thank you for your time and consideration