Rep. Gosar Votes to Allow VA Bureaucrats to be Fired

Statement

Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 4031, the Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability Act of 2014, of which he is a co-sponsor:

"When the employees of the VA are more concerned about concealing lengthy wait times than about caring for our veterans, it's obvious that the agency has a serious lack of accountability. In order to prevent deaths such as those that likely occurred due to negligence at the Phoenix VA from occurring again, Congress and President Obama must hold Senior Executive Service employees accountable when they are found to have committed acts of malfeasance and fail in their responsibility to provide timely and quality care for our veterans. To that end, I voted today for the Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability Act, which would allow for the Secretary of the VA to fire senior executives who are inept. Currently, these bureaucrats have so many protections that it is nearly impossible for them to be fired.

"Veterans fought honorably to protect this nation and our freedoms. Now it's our turn to fight for them. I will continue to seek answers about what exactly happened at the Phoenix VA and to take measures to ensure that veterans receive the care they were promised.

BACKGROUND:
Rep. Gosar has led several legislative efforts to provide accountability and make much-needed reforms to the VA. To read more about them, click HERE.

Outside groups supporting the bill include:

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

AMVETS (American Veterans)

The American Legion

Concerned Veterans for America

Reserve Officers Association

Note: letters of support provided by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Source