VA Accountability Act of 2015

Floor Speech

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Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1994, the so-called ``VA Accountability Act of 2015.'' There is nothing more important than providing for the men and women who have made so many sacrifices for our country. However, today's legislation is a fake solution and provides no real fix to the fundamental problems at the VA.

This legislation turns hundreds of thousands of VA employees--including many who served in the armed services and are veteran's themselves--into at-will employees. As a result, this would open the door for political abuse and witch-hunts, effectively creating a mechanism where career federal employees could be removed because of their views or political affiliation. In addition, turning individuals into at-will employees would likely discourage whistleblowers from coming forward out of fear of being terminated. Moreover, if this legislation passes, the Department of Veterans Affairs would be the only federal agency with at-will employment, making it harder to recruit and retain the best and brightest employees who are needed to serve our veterans.

I was disappointed that a substitute amendment offered by Congressman TAKANO was not adopted. Rep. Takano's amendment would immediately suspend without pay any employee that is found to put a veteran's health and safety in jeopardy. However, it also ensures that all employees--included whistleblowers--are granted their constitutional right to due process. On the other hand, H.R. 1994 would dismantle civil service protections that have been in place for decades. It would strip away important protections for federal workers and would deny a VA employee the opportunity to appeal a decision to the full Merit Systems Protection Board.

Unfortunately, nothing in this bill addresses the systemic problems that continue to plague the VA health care system. I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation.

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