VA Reportedly Asks HR Employees in Mass Layoffs & Terminations to Sign NDAs

Based on public reporting and documents cited by members of Congress during hearings, it appears that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) required certain human resources employees to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) related to conversations about staffing reductions, or Reductions in Force (RIFs), at the agency. On May 13, 2025, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member Gerald Connelly wrote a letter to VA Secretary Collins that raised concerns that the NDAs did not contain the advisement of rights, including the right to communicate with Congress, that federal law requires, at 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(13). During a congressional hearing on May 15, 2025, Representative Susan Brownley held up a copy of a nondisclosure agreement, also expressing concern. During a confirmation hearing for the Inspector General of the VA, Senator Angus King indicated that he had seen the nondisclosure agreements, and that they lacked the legally required language.