Disciplinary Changes at VA Pushed

Meanwhile, a veterans affairs subcommittee has approved HR-473, under which SES members at the VA would have to change jobs within the department at least every five years and only 30 percent would be eligible to receive top-level performance ratings. The bill also would limit the time they can be put on paid administrative leave—which often happens as an agency is deciding to take a disciplinary action—and would reduce their federal annuities (by denying credit for some years of service) if they are convicted of a crime related to their official duties. Also approved by a subcommittee was HR-571, to require discipline of supervisors found to have retaliated against whistleblowers, including required removal for a second offense; and require supervisors to investigate any whistleblower complaints brought to their attention, with failure to do so becoming part of their performance appraisals, among other provisions.