The VA indicated it would proceed with filling open positions previously exempted under the hiring freeze. The groups have cautioned against any "privatization" efforts at the VA that could expand private care for veterans while reducing investment in the VA itself. The VA said in a statement Wednesday that the hiring restrictions were needed to "streamline VA's corporate structure and administrative positions." However, this does not mean business as usual for hiring," stated VA chief of staff Vivieca Wright Simpson. She said VA leadership aimed to proceed in the coming months with "deliberative hiring strategies" as it seeks to build "a future VA of Choice."

Source: ABC News April 26, 2017 18:55 UTC