VA Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor Modernization Act

5/11/2023, 3:43 PM

VA Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor Modernization Act

This bill eliminates the cap on the number of full-time employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs who provide equal employment opportunity counseling.

Bill 117 HR 2788, also known as the VA Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor Modernization Act, aims to update and modernize the role of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) counselors within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill seeks to improve the effectiveness of EEO counselors in addressing workplace discrimination and harassment issues within the VA.

Specifically, the bill outlines several key provisions, including the requirement for EEO counselors to undergo regular training to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively address discrimination complaints. Additionally, the bill calls for the establishment of a standardized process for handling discrimination complaints, including clear guidelines for investigation and resolution.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability within the EEO counseling process, requiring counselors to maintain detailed records of all complaints and resolutions. This will help ensure that employees who file complaints are kept informed of the progress and outcome of their case. Overall, the VA Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor Modernization Act aims to strengthen the EEO counseling process within the VA, ultimately promoting a more inclusive and equitable work environment for all employees.
Congress
117

Number
HR - 2788

Introduced on
2021-04-22

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/19/2021

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

VA Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor Modernization Act

This bill eliminates the cap on the number of full-time employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs who provide equal employment opportunity counseling.

Bill 117 HR 2788, also known as the VA Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor Modernization Act, aims to update and modernize the role of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) counselors within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill seeks to improve the effectiveness of EEO counselors in addressing workplace discrimination and harassment issues within the VA.

Specifically, the bill outlines several key provisions, including the requirement for EEO counselors to undergo regular training to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively address discrimination complaints. Additionally, the bill calls for the establishment of a standardized process for handling discrimination complaints, including clear guidelines for investigation and resolution.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability within the EEO counseling process, requiring counselors to maintain detailed records of all complaints and resolutions. This will help ensure that employees who file complaints are kept informed of the progress and outcome of their case. Overall, the VA Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor Modernization Act aims to strengthen the EEO counseling process within the VA, ultimately promoting a more inclusive and equitable work environment for all employees.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the cap on full-time employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs who provide equal employment opportunity counseling.

Policy Areas
Armed Forces and National Security

Potential Impact
Congressional oversight•
Department of Veterans Affairs•
Employment discrimination and employee rights•
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary6/29/2021

VA Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor Modernization Act

This bill eliminates the cap on the number of full-time employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs who provide equal employment opportunity counseling.


Latest Action5/19/2021
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.