Griffin Votes to Hold Veterans Affairs Executives Accountable

Statement

Congressman Tim Griffin (AR-02) issued the following statement after the House passed the Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability Act (H.R. 4031):

"By authorizing the warranted removal of senior Veterans Affairs executives, this bill provides accountability to ensure effective health care for our nation's veterans and address the inexcusable backlog of veteran disability claims at the VA. The heroes who have sacrificed to protect our country have earned these benefits, and deserve to receive them in a timely manner. Anything less is an embarrassment. This bill makes the health of our veterans a top priority by holding those responsible for the inexcusable mistreatment of our veterans accountable."

Rep. Griffin is a cosponsor of H.R. 4031, which gives the Secretary of Veterans Affairs authority to remove an employee of the Senior Executive Service if the Secretary determines that the employee's performance warrants removal. The Secretary can remove the individual from federal service entirely, or transfer him to a General Schedule position within the civil service system. Within thirty days of removing the individual, the Secretary must notify the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the removal and the reason for it. H.R. 4031 provides that the employee's removal shall be done in the same manner as the removal of a professional staff member of a Member of Congress.

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