Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) plans to introduce a bill that would give veterans, military spouses, veteran caregivers, survivors, Guard members and Reservists their jobs back if they were fired from the federal government in recent weeks. It would also force the rehiring of VA employees.

“These reckless actions are damaging the economic security and morale of our military and veteran families, the federal government’s ability to recruit and retain high-quality talent, and our national security,” Blumenthal said in a statement. “Veterans and their families have willingly sacrificed everything for this country, and they deserve a government that treats them with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Democratic lawmakers estimate that about 6,000 veterans have been fired from the federal government in recent weeks, according to Military.com.

VA also has plans to cut more than 80,000 of its employees.

“We’re going to accomplish this without making cuts to health care or benefits to veterans and VA beneficiaries,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said last week.

National Guard photo by Timothy Koster