On the recordSeptember 13, 2016
Mr. Chair, I believe accountability of senior executives at the VA is of great importance. In recent years, administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs has come under intense public scrutiny. What Congress and the American people learned was that, while the vast majority of officials at the VA are selfless public servants who do their utmost to deliver quality health care to our veterans, there are some who hamper our ability as a country to care for our veterans. It is our duty to ensure that our veterans receive the best possible care and benefits they have earned through their service to our country. My amendment seeks to strengthen the legislation to ensure that we truly are improving accountability at the VA. This amendment is the result of a bipartisan process that gives the VA appropriate tools to keep senior executives accountable in a way that is fair and constitutional. My amendment utilizes bipartisan language developed in the Senate for the Veterans First Act, which was supported by veterans service organizations, including the American Legion. It is important to note that my amendment is not a significant departure from Chairman Miller's language found in section 7 of the bill.…





