The Department of Veterans Affairs dismissed another 1,400 employees on Monday, sparking renewed criticism over transparency and staffing shortages following the termination of 1,000 workers earlier this month, The Hill reported.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and veterans groups, who argue the cuts will negatively impact the agency’s ability to serve veterans.

The VA said the employees dismissed were “non-mission critical” probationary workers who had been with the agency for less than two years. According to a department statement, the eliminated positions were primarily diversity, inclusion, and equity-related, “among other roles.”

The agency claims the dismissals will save more than $83 million annually, with funds redirected toward veteran health care, benefits, and services.

“These and other recent personnel decisions are extraordinarily difficult, but VA is focused on allocating its resources to help as many Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors as possible,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said in the statement. “These moves will not hurt VA health care, benefits, or beneficiaries. In fact, Veterans are going to notice a change for the better.”

The latest terminations come amid significant backlash over the agency’s handling of previous cuts. 

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