Cramer: House Passes H.R. 1994, the VA Accountability Act of 2015

Press Release

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1994, the VA Accountability Act of 2015 by a vote of 256 to 170. Congressman Cramer is a co-sponsor of the legislation. The act allows the Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) increased flexibility in removing poor performing VA employees, provides improved protections for whistleblowers including restricting bonus awards for supervisors who retaliate against whistleblowers, and strengthens accountability and performance measures for Senior Executive Service (SES) employees.

"Like most Americans, I was horrified to learn of the poor health care and secret wait lists at our nation's VA Hospitals," said Cramer. "A little over one year ago, President Obama vowed to reform the VA and punish those responsible for providing poor care to our veterans. We have seen little progress from the President."

He said wait times for veterans are longer now than one year ago and many veterans died while waiting for care. "Only two low level employees were fired for their part in the wait time for veterans scandal. It is time for serious reform at the VA. Stronger Congressional oversight from our legislation will ensure servicemen and women get the care they need in a timely manner. I look forward to working with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure our veterans receive the best standard of care possible like veterans receive at the VA facility in Fargo."

Earlier this week the House passed a series of bills designed to help veterans gain employment, start a business and guarantee access to the benefits they earned while defending our nation.

"The bills we passed help veterans get a job and start a business, it makes sense to help them get started in the next stage of their lives," commented Cramer "A lack of accountability is at the heart of many of the VA's most serious problems."

H.R. 2499, the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2015 has been approved by both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate. It will now be sent to President Obama for his signature.

North Dakota resident and Medal of Honor recipient Clinton Romesha is an example of a veteran who took a risk and has gone on to a successful career in the energy industry in North Dakota. He made the following comments about H.R. 2499, the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2015.

"Legislation such as H.R. 2499 shows our selfless men and women in uniform we will continue to fulfill the promises made to them," said Romesha. "Removing a hurdle and allowing our veterans streamlined access to capital, so they might have a little less stress in making their next transition in life is important. This is just one step in a long journey veterans take and while we honor and remember the sacrifice of every veteran we must take care of those who took care of us and this country's future."

Source