Federal employees seriously delinquent on their federal taxes generally would be ineligible to receive a performance award or other form of cash bonus, under a new Senate bill (S-303). The bill arises out of an inspector general audit at the IRS last year describing awards being paid to tax-delinquent employees there, although it would apply government-wide; it would allow exceptions for those making payments to clear their debt or in certain hardship situations. A new House bill (HR-571) seeks to boost whistleblower protections for VA employees, including provisions such requirements that reprisal complaints be passed up through management levels, stronger protections for those who cooperate with investigations, and mandatory discipline for those found to have retaliated against them. Meanwhile, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has approved HR-313, which would providenewhirees who have a military service-related disability rating of 30 percent or more with 13 days of sick leave immediately on hiring to use for medical appointments and other purposes related to the disability. The leave would not carry forward after the first year.