Mark Takano: “The letter reads: ``The drastic reductions in due process rights for every frontline VA employee proposed by this bill…”

“The letter reads: ``The drastic reductions in due process rights for every frontline VA employee proposed by this bill represents another familiar attempt to weaken the VA by weakening its dedicated workforce. ``Changes proposed by H.R. 5620, including reduced time to respond to notices of proposed removals, reduced time to appeal to the Merit System Protection Board (MSPB), the loss of MSPB rights if that agency is backlogged, and unfair processes for recouping bonuses and work expenses, will decrease accountability by subjecting vocal employees who speak up against mismanagement and patient harm to more retaliation and harassment. The bill also would directly undermine the Department's progress in filling vacancies and recruiting and retaining a strong VA workforce.'' I reserve the balance of my time.”