Fedweek

The Trump transition team has signaled that his administration will pursue changes in VA personnel policies—such as shortened disciplinary processes and limited appeal rights—similar to those that have been pending in Congress this year, and which are commonly viewed as setting a precedent for extension government-wide. A statement on the newly launched official transition site lists VA reform as one of three strategies for making the government “for the people again.” It says veterans “are hindered and not helped, by government employees who are not up to the task of providing competent answers to their situations. The Trump administration will transform the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to bring it into the 21st Century by providing state-of-the-art treatment for all physical and mental health care needs of our veterans. Likewise, any questions a veteran may have about benefits earned should be addressed in a complete and timely manner. We will make the VA great again by removing corrupt and incompetent individuals who let our veterans down. Our administration will make certain that honest and dedicated public servants in the VA have their jobs protected, and are put in line for promotions.”