GOP Senate leaders said they are working with VA officials on ways to ensure that plans to cut 80,000 jobs don't dismantle department services.
White House officials said VA financial assistance programs do not violate rules banning diversity and inclusion efforts.
About two-thirds of Veterans Affairs jobs will be excluded from a White House order blocking new hiring.
Punishing underperforming VA workers was a priority during Trump's first term. Congressional leaders want to zero in on the problem again.
