RELEASE
Palazzo Votes to Hold VA Accountable
Washington, DC – Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) today released the following statement today following the final passage of the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act (S. 1094):
“For too long our veterans have suffered under the bureaucracy of the VA. Some have literally died waiting in line for care, and no one at the VA is ever held responsible for their actions. That changes today with the passage of the VA Accountability Act. The VA will finally, after many years, have the real ability to fire, demote or suspend bad employees. This is a huge victory for our veterans.”
The House has passed several bills in recent years to allow the VA to fire poor employees who have previously been protected by myriad union and labor rules; however, today marks the first time both chambers of Congress have agreed on passage. Despite the veteran wait time scandal, massive construction cost overruns, VA employees committing crimes, and countless employees providing poor care, the VA leadership has had little ability to remove these underperforming employees. S. 1094 passed the House today overwhelmingly by a vote of 368-55 and will be sent to the president for final signature.
6/13/17
