Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano called on April 8 for Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins to use existing authority to pay certain doctors above the department’s $400,000 salary cap. The lawmakers said Collins has asked Congress for new legislation, even though he already has the power to raise salaries under Section 142 of Public Law 118-210.
The issue is important because the VA is facing ongoing staff shortages, with more than 1,300 physicians lost since the beginning of the Trump Administration and over 30,000 positions vacant. Staffing problems have led to clinic closures in Lincoln City, Oregon; Schenectady, New York; and McMinnville, Tennessee in 2026.
“We write today regarding the implementation of Section 142 of Public Law 118-210...which gave the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) the authority to pay up to 300 physicians, podiatrists, optometrists, and dentists above the current $400,000 salary cap beginning as soon as July 1, 2025,” Blumenthal and Takano wrote in a letter. “As such, we write to inform you Congress already provided VA with this authority over one year ago, yet you have failed to use it.”
The lawmakers criticized delays in using this authority while physician numbers declined. They said: “It is unacceptable that...you have also delayed implementing this straightforward authority – sending the message to VA staff and veterans that you have no real interest in recruiting and retaining more doctors.”
Blumenthal and Takano were joined by Senator Mazie Hirono and Representatives Julia Brownley, Morgan McGarvey, Herbert Conaway, Maxine Dexter, and Kelly Morrison. They requested written responses from Secretary Collins about how many providers are employed or contracted by VA at various compensation levels.
The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee plays a key role overseeing benefits programs across the country according to its official website. It also works with entities like the Department of Veterans Affairs according to its official website.
Jerry Moran served as chairman while Richard Blumenthal was ranking member according to its official website. The committee maintains offices in the U.S. Capitol complex according to its official website.
In their letter’s conclusion about next steps for recruitment efforts at VA facilities nationwide they wrote: “We would welcome the opportunity to work with you...by discontinuing your attacks on the VA workforce and effectively and expeditiously making use of various tools Congress has provided.”
The broader impact may include improved care access if these authorities are used promptly—a central goal for veterans’ programs overseen by committees like Senate Veterans' Affairs according to its official website.
