The head of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, who has been the leading voice in pressing for reforms at VA, has said that the pressure will continue since only limited policychanges, and few firings, have been ordered at the department in the year since the patient scheduling and care scandal became public.
Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., said that Secretary Robert McDonald, who was put in place after the prior secretary resigned in the wake of the scandal, “is doing his best to correct VA’s course, but enormous challenges remain. VA’s chief problem – a widespread lack of accountability among failed employees – is as prevalent today as it was a year ago.”
“Everyone knows accountability is a major problem at VA, and right now the department needs to work with Congress to ensure VA has every tool possible to swiftly hold problem employees accountable,” he said in a statement. “That’s why VA’s refusal to support any legislative efforts to improve accountability at the agency introduced this Congress is so disappointing. No one thought the department’s problems would magically disappear upon the appointment of a new secretary. But it’s been a year since the scandal broke, and the department is still facing challenges with transparency, protecting whistleblowers and conveying accurate information to the public. It’s simply naïve to think these issues will subside in the absence of the thorough housecleaning the department desperately needs.”
A major VA bill was enacted last year, including a provision shortening the appeals rights of SES members. The House this year has passed HR-280, which would allow the VA secretary to order that any employees repay all or part of cash awards they have received, for reasons such as a later finding of misconduct.
Numerous other bills that made only partial progress last year are pending again, including HR-571 to require discipline of supervisors found to have retaliated against whistleblowers, including required removal for a second offense; HR-473, to limit how many VA SESers can receive top ratings, limit how long they could stay on paid leave pending an investigation that might lead to disciplinary action, and require the reduction of their annuities if they are convicted of certain crimes related to their official duties; and HR-1129, to establish an internal VA office to receive and investigate whistleblower complaints on matters including patient care.
