On the recordMarch 16, 2017
I have enjoyed working with my chairman, and, of course, our ranking member, on behalf of our true American heroes over the years, and we have got much more good work to do for our heroes. Mr. Chairman, too often, the VA has failed to hold employees accountable when they do not uphold their duty to care for those who served. The vast majority, as has been said by our chairman, are hardworking and dedicated to our Nation's heroes. But those bad actors are harmful to veterans and the VA's reputation as a whole. They must be fired. If a VA employee fails in their duty to care for veterans, they should be removed, as I said, from their post swiftly, no matter how senior their position. It is unacceptable that it can take a year, or even longer, to remove, demote, or suspend a VA employee. The VA Accountability First Act would remove those bureaucratic roadblocks and rid the agency of its toxic culture of mediocrity. The bill would also safeguard whistleblowers--that is necessary--from retaliation and protect employees' due process rights. I am proud to cosponsor the VA Accountability First Act, and I strongly urge passage.
