WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate today passed the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act by voice vote. U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) supported the bipartisan legislation, which seeks to address management failures at the agency by giving the VA Secretary the authority to terminate bad employees. It would also provide protections for whistleblowers who bring malpractice issues within the department to light.

“The majority of VA employees work hard to deliver the quality care our veterans have earned. But as past scandals and management failures at the VA have shown, further action must be taken to remove the bad actors and promote a workplace culture that puts veterans first. The reforms in this bipartisan legislation the Senate passed today will bring more accountability to the agency so we can take better care of our veterans,” said Fischer.

Existing civil service rules at the VA often fail to hold employees accountable for their actions. Administrative complexity and the lengthiness of the subsequent appeals and judicial review process prevent bad actors from facing consequences and stand in the way of access to timely care for veterans. The VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act would speed up decisions on employee misconduct and performance reviews. It would give the VA secretary the authority to reduce employee benefits and take away bonus pay. The reforms would apply to both senior executive service positions as well as the rank and file.

Through the VA Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection and with increased safeguards in this bill, VA employees would be empowered to come forward without fear of retaliation or termination. For example, the bill directs the secretary to provide additional training on whistleblower protections and general workplace management. It also increases congressional oversight by requiring the secretary report to Congress on employee morale and the types of administrative action taken by the agency.

The legislation is supported by the VA, the Office of Special Counsel, American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, Reserve Officers Association, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, American Veterans (AMVETS), and Concerned Veterans for America.

Click here to view text of the legislation.