Even Republicans slam Trump Cabinet member for refusal to say what jobs he’ll cut

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins was dismissive about his plan to cut 83,000 jobs, and that did not sit well with lawmakers this week.

Atlanta Journal Constitution reporter Jamie Dupree says lawmakers dressed down Collins about which of the 15 percent of VA staff the administration plans to fire. The secretary attempted to dismiss their concern, but found both Democrats and Republicans united against him in a Tuesday hearing.

Two months after Trump’s announcement of firing 83,000 workers — many of them veterans — Collins still had no answer on which workers will be targeted. But while he was short on answers, Collins was long on contempt for the questions, according to Dupree.

READ MORE: Donald Trump just inadvertently invoked the Christian understanding of the Antichrist

“I will not let you sit here and scare my veterans and scare my employees,” Collins told senators, without mentioning that it was his own administration’s announcement to gut the VA workforce causing the scare.

“You cannot set out a goal and then get angry at us for asking what the impacts of that goal and those cuts would be,” Sen. Maggie Hassan, (D-NH) told Collins at one point in the meeting.

Collins mocked Democrats for saying there would be 83,000 jobs cut at the VA, seemingly attempting to dismiss the allegation as fake news.

“It’s a nice talking point,” Collins told Hassan, dismissively.

“Talking point?” Hassan snapped. “It is your talking point. We are quoting you saying that’s the goal.”

“It is our goal,” confirmed Collins. “The goal is not a fact.”

Some Republicans, like House Veterans Committee, Rep. Mike Bost, (R-IL) has called the 83,000 VA job cuts “a lie being told by the Democrats.” But it was not just Democrats growing furious at Collins in the hearing.

“It ought not be a set number,” said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, (R-KS), who chairs the Senate Veterans Committee. “It ought to be about rightsizing.”

Read the full Atlanta-Journal Constitution report here.

The video player is currently playing an ad. You can skip the ad in 5 sec with a mouse or keyboard

“You cannot set out a goal and then get angry at us for asking what the impacts of that goal and those cuts would be,” Sen. Maggie Hassan, (D-N.H.) told Collins at one point in the meeting.

Collins mocked Democrats for saying there would be 83,000 jobs cut at the VA, seemingly attempting to dismiss the allegation as fake news.

“It’s a nice talking point,” Collins told Hassan, dismissively.

by TaboolaSponsored LinksYou May LikeAdhttps://www.MovingofAmerica.comEffortless Assembly: Our Movers Get the Job Done Right!Our skilled movers handle assembly with precision and care! Equipped with the tools and expertise, we make setting up your furniture quick and hassle-free. Learn more today!Learn MoreRoom-Specific Inventory: Streamline Your MoveView PackageKeep your move organized with our Platinum Move View package! Our room-specific inventory stickers ensure every item is labeled and delivered to the right place, making unpacking effortless. Learn more today!Learn MoreLarge Sofa, Small Staircase? We've got it Covered!Struggling to fit a large sofa through a small staircase? No worries! Our expert team knows the tricks to maneuver and transport your furniture safely. Learn more today!Learn MorePackers and Movers available in Maplewood! Need help packing your dishes? We've got it covered! Safe, secure, and hassle-free packing to keep your kitchenware protected. Learn more today!Learn MoreNeed Movers in Maplewood? [Get Quote]Looking for reliable movers? Our professional teams and fully equipped trucks ensure a smooth, stress-free move. Whether it's across town or across the country, we've got you covered! Get a free quote todayGet Quote

READ MORE: 'Vile broken man': Trump buried over 'horrible' remarks about former official

“Talking point?” Hassan snapped. “It is your talking point. We are quoting you saying that’s the goal.”

“It is our goal,” confirmed Collins. “The goal is not a fact.”

Some Republicans, like House Veterans Committee, Rep. Mike Bost, (R-Ill.) has called the 83,000 VA job cuts “a lie being told by the Democrats.” But it was not just Democrats growing furious at Collins in the hearing.

“It ought not be a set number,” said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, (R-Kan), who chairs the Senate Veterans Committee. “It ought to be about rightsizing.”

Read the full Atlanta-Journal Constitution report here.