Courtney Praises Passage Of Bipartisan VA Accountability Package
WASHINGTON, DC ---- Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) voted in favor of the VA Accountability & Whistleblower Protection Act, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 368-55.
"The scandals that have rocked the VA in recent years are a national disgrace, and I'm proud of the work Congress has done since these revelations to improve services for our veterans," said Courtney. "While Connecticut has not seen some of the outrageous scandals that have plagued other areas of the country, it is clear that the continued challenges at the VA demand further Congressional action. I'm glad both sides of the aisle have come together to improve accountability for VA employees who are not acting in the best interests of our veterans. Our veterans have earned the highest level of care and respect, and this bill helps to ensure that the best employees will be in place to care for them. They deserve nothing less."
This bill gives the VA authority to hold underperforming or negligent employees accountable by expediting their removal, demotion, or suspension based on performance or misconduct. Importantly, and unlike previous legislation that attempted to increase VA accountability, the bill maintains an appeals board and due process measures that offer a level of protection to high performing employees who could be wrongly terminated.
The bill was broadly supported by Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, Reserve Officers Association, AMVets, Vietnam Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and Got Your 6.
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