July 1, 2022
Washington, DC – Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) applauds the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee for halting the Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission through bipartisan opposition to confirming the commission’s nominees. The AIR Commission could have moved forward with plans to close or eliminate services at 60 VA hospitals and dozens of outpatient clinics, nursing homes and other VA health care facilities nationwide.
“The end of the AIR Commission marks a tremendous victory for veterans, VA employees, and every American who relies on the VA health system,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “Thank you to the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee for recognizing how devastating this plan could have been, and for taking timely action to ensure the AIR Commission is shut down.”
Working alongside the American Federation of Government Employees, the National Association of Government Employees, and National Nurses United, NFFE mobilized to ensure the voices of VA employees and veterans were heard. This included protesting against the AIR Commission outside of VA headquarters with hundreds of other union members who demanded the AIR Commission cease plans to close or reorganized VA facilities.
“NFFE appreciates the committee for listening to NFFE and other unions, including the veterans and front-line employees who have been rallying for months against the VA shutting down veteran hospitals,” continued Erwin. “Thank you to Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, as well as Senators Manchin, Rounds, Heinrich, Capito, Hassan, Brown, Thune, Murray, Daines, Luján, and Portman, for your leadership in ending the AIR Commission and protecting the VA health care system. We look forward to working with the committee to address any further attempts to privatize the VA.”