More than 1,000 Department of Veterans Affairs employees were dismissed this week as part of President Donald Trump’s goal to shrink the size of the federal government.
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) is criticizing that decision. Kelly said Trump is “slashing and burning” with no thought and it hurts veterans.
“I’m a veteran. I served 25 years in the United States Navy," Kelly said. "The VA can be more efficient and deliver better health care. Let’s try to figure out how to do that.”
Officials at the VA dismissed claims that these were “thoughtless” decisions, noting it was difficult but it will result in better care for veterans.
According to NPR, the VA said the move would save the agency more than $98 million a year, which would be redirected "toward health care, benefits and services for VA beneficiaries."
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In a major decision last month, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration, allowing the Department of Homeland Security to end Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of refugees from Haiti and Syria, who may now be forced to leave the country. -
Sen. Mark Kelly says the Trump administration is spinning the truth about the ongoing conflict with Iran. Kelly told MS NOW that President Trump has not provided clear direction.
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Incumbent Kevin Thompson has secured one of two nominations in the Republican primary for the Arizona Corporation Commission, the state’s top utility regulator. But the race for the second seat is still too close to call. -
Former Cardinals kicker Jay Feely won the Republican nomination in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, according to a race call by the Associated Press, while early results show Amish Shah leads a four-way Democratic primary with 42% of the vote. -
Despite facing allegations of sexual impropriety and claims he doesn’t live in the district, former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb won the Republican primary in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District, according to a race call by the Associated Press.
