The Department of Veterans Affairs has temporarily suspended billions of dollars in contract cuts after an uproar that critical veterans health services were harmed, lawmakers and veterans service organizations said Wednesday.

Summary

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has paused billions in contract cuts after backlash from lawmakers and veterans’ groups over potential harm to critical services.

The cuts, praised by Elon Musk and framed as eliminating wasteful consulting fees, included contracts affecting cancer care, toxic exposure assessments, and disability evaluations.

Facing bipartisan criticism, VA officials insist veterans’ care won’t suffer but acknowledge an ongoing review.

Advocates warn that stripping funding from key services could cause delays and denials, urging transparency on affected contracts and potential consequences.