Sen. Kaine hosts roundtable with veterans to address impact of federal layoffs

Senator Tim Kaine hosted a roundtable discussion Monday with local veterans to discuss how the Trump administration's executive actions are harming veterans.

"Sometimes the people who are being disadvantaged, those aren't the people who need to speak up," said Maurice Pettiford, who spent 20-plus years in the Marine Corps before going to the State Department. "There’s a way to do it with dignity and respect because many of the people they are cutting are veterans. I have no problem with needing to reduce the size of government but it’s the way to reduce it with respect."

Sen. Kaine has spoken out in opposition to the administration's mass layoffs of federal employees. He said it disproportionately affects veterans because they make up 30% of the federal workforce.

Kaine is crisscrossing the Commonwealth this week as Congress is in recess.

"I'm really, really worried, I’m really worried about a war on veterans that’s underway," he said Monday.

Senator Kaine believes it is crucial to find a local group helping veterans wherever you live and to stay engaged with elections.

He also introduced legislation last week to reinstate veterans fired by the Trump administration. The bill was introduced with Senator Tammy Duckworth. Kaine said no Republicans crossed the aisles in support.

"Nobody wants to be waging a war on veterans, nobody ran for office saying this is what I want to do it’s what’s happening," he said.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins said on social media last week that things need to change, adding layoffs would not mean cuts to veterans or benefits.

Conrad Morgan, a retired Army Colonel, provided the space for the event.

"I thought that we earned it by government rules and regulations and that would be there for the rest of my life until I die," Morgan said. "As long as I’m walking, talking, and breathing I expect to get my pay."

For President Trump's joint address to Congress, Kaine brought Jason King, a veteran from Fairfax who was fired from his position at the Federal Aviation Administration's safety division.

7News has also reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs for comment.