Mike Collins: “I am pleased to bring forward, on behalf of the Rules Committee today, this rule that provides for consideration of H.R.…”

“I am pleased to bring forward, on behalf of the Rules Committee today, this rule that provides for consideration of H.R. 5620, the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016. The rule provides for 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and also provides a motion to recommit. Additionally, the rule makes in order several amendments, representing ideas from both sides of the aisle. Yesterday the Rules Committee received testimony from the chairman and ranking member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and heard from numerous Members on behalf of amendments offered. H.R. 5620 includes provisions of the House-passed versions of H.R. 1994, the VA Accountability Act; H.R. 280, the legislation related to bonuses paid to VA employees; language from H.R. 5083, the VA Appeals Modernization Act; and H.R. 4138, legislation related to relocation payments for VA employees. The VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act continues efforts by this Congress to reform the VA and address the bureaucratic mess that has plagued its operations for far too long. {time} 1315 The bill builds on meaningful steps to restore accountability to the Department of Veterans Affairs and ensure it is appropriately providing veterans with the resources and care they deserve.…”