Fedweek

The measure meanwhile emphasizes strengthened protections for whistleblowers against retaliation. It would create an Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection at the VA with a Senate-confirmed director, responsible for receiving and referring disclosures for investigation. It also would oversee agency responses to findings of reprisal, including what disciplinary actions were taken against those responsible, among other responsibilities. The measure also would require the VA to evaluate supervisors based on the protection of whistleblowers; require it to provide department-wide training regarding whistleblower complaints once a year; and require the VA to provide travel expenses for whistleblowers testifying before Congress. A VA spending bill that recently cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee contains some similar provisions.