Baldwin Presses Trump Admin on Planned VA Restructuring

Proposed staff cuts and VISN consolidation raise concerns about access to care for Wisconsin veterans

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of a VA medical center building in muted tones, with the structure bathed in warm, angled sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of contemplation and unease around the potential impact of the proposed organizational changes.The proposed VA restructuring casts a shadow of uncertainty over the future of veteran healthcare services in Wisconsin.Madison Today

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) has expressed serious concerns about the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) proposed restructuring of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), which would reduce staffing levels and consolidate Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs). Baldwin warned that this plan could weaken access to timely, high-quality care for Wisconsin veterans who rely on the VA system.

Why it matters

Wisconsin is home to several major VA medical centers that provide essential care for thousands of veterans. However, the Trump Administration has already cut the VA workforce by 30,000 employees in the past year, and the proposed restructuring could further exacerbate the challenges faced by these medical centers in serving veterans' needs, especially in rural communities.

The details

The VA's plan would decrease the number of VISNs from 18 to 5, which Baldwin argues would only worsen the existing challenges faced by VA medical centers. The administration is also eliminating positions that provide healthcare services to veterans, reducing the VA's ability to meet the growing and evolving needs of veterans. Baldwin is concerned that these workforce reductions could deepen staffing shortages, lengthen wait times, and place additional strain on remaining personnel.

  • Over the last year, the VA has reduced its workforce by roughly 30,000 positions across the department.
  • The VA is now proposing to eliminate thousands of additional vacant medical positions.

The players

Tammy Baldwin

A U.S. Senator from Wisconsin who has expressed serious concerns about the VA's proposed restructuring plan.

Doug Collins

The Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs who has proposed the VHA restructuring and workforce reduction plan.

William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital

A major VA medical center in Madison, Wisconsin that serves a large population across multiple counties.

VA Milwaukee Healthcare System

A VA healthcare system centered at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee that serves more than 234,000 veterans.

Tomah VA Medical Center

A VA medical center in Tomah, Wisconsin that serves approximately 26,000 veterans across a broad rural region.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have heard from veterans, healthcare providers, and community organizations across Wisconsin who have expressed deep concern that this restructuring could weaken access to timely, high-quality care for veterans who rely on the VA system.”

— Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Senator

What’s next

Senator Baldwin has demanded detailed responses from the VA Secretary on how the proposed restructuring and staffing cuts will impact access to care, wait times, and health outcomes for Wisconsin veterans. She has also requested a full accounting of the expected costs and savings of the initiative, as well as the VA's plans to monitor and mitigate any service disruptions or staffing shortages.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges facing the VA in balancing administrative efficiency with maintaining high-quality, accessible healthcare for veterans, especially in rural communities. The proposed restructuring raises concerns about the potential impact on veteran care and the need for transparent planning and coordination to ensure the VA can continue to fulfill its mission.