Software handling timecards for VA employees has been malfunctioning for nearly a week, prompting concerns about paycheck delays.
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.
The confirmation hearing had been scheduled for Tuesday morning, but will now be held next week.
Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran will lead the chamber's veterans policy committee for the second time.
The 10-year research plan would examine blast injuries among veterans and offer suggestions for treatments.
In one case, a veteran with esophageal cancer had radiation therapy incorrectly denied for several months before dying from the illness.
Industry advocates said the rule changes could have hurt services for tens of thousands of veteran patients annually.
