Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), along with 11 other Senate colleagues and 26 members of the House of Representatives, have introduced new legislation aimed at enhancing accountability within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The proposed Restore VA Accountability Act seeks to streamline disciplinary procedures for underperforming VA employees by expediting processes and ensuring decisions supported by substantial evidence are maintained on appeal.

Dr. Cassidy emphasized the importance of holding the VA accountable, stating, "Our veterans answered the call to service. I expect employees at the VA to at least answer the phone. We hear too many stories of veterans being failed by the VA."

Senator Moran highlighted that while many dedicated individuals work at the VA, a few poor performers can disrupt services. "Veterans are best served when VA leaders have the ability to act swiftly to remove bad employees from the VA workforce," he said.

The initiative follows up on previous efforts from 2017 when Congress passed the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act in response to issues within the VA workforce that affected veteran care negatively. The Restore VA Accountability Act addresses certain legal decisions that have weakened this authority.

The bill has garnered support from several senators including Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Jim Banks (R-IN), John Boozman (R-AR), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Rick Scott (R-FL), James Risch (R-ID), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

In parallel, Representative Mike Bost (R-IL-12) has introduced companion legislation in the House with 25 cosponsors.