Budzinski, Veterans’ Affairs Committee Leaders Slam Washington Post Piece on VA Unions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (CA-39), and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) penned a letter to the editor in response to The Washington Post’s December 1st Editorial Board piece titled, “America’s veterans deserve better care than government unions provide.”

“I’ve dedicated my career to standing with my union brothers and sisters as they work to provide the best service possible to our veterans,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “The Washington Post Editorial Board’s piece isn’t just factually wrong, it’s insulting to the VA employees dedicated to caring for the brave men and women who risked their lives for our freedoms. At a time when the Trump Administration has unleashed an all-out assault on America’s federal workforce and their collective bargaining rights, it is disappointing to see The Post amplify the President’s union-busting agenda.”

Congresswoman Budzinski serves as Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Technology Modernization, as well Vice-Chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus. 

“I am incredibly disheartened to see the Washington Post Editorial Board joining in the Trump Administration’s unpatriotic union-bashing and spreading inaccuracies in the process. As a former union member, I can tell you firsthand: unions are necessary and benefit not only their membership, but all Americans. Unions continue to epitomize American ideals, even as the Trump Administration repeatedly seeks to strip them of their power,” said Ranking Member Takano. “VA unions improve both the worker and patient experience. They ensure accountability, guaranteeing improved veteran care. I can assure you, the pursuit of the American principle of union membership prevails. Democrats continue to fight for accountability.”

Please click here to read the full letter to the editor as published by The Washington Post.

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