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Protecting VA Employees Act
3/19/2025, 2:53 PM
Summary of Bill HR 932
Specifically, the bill proposes amendments to titles 38 and 5 of the United States Code to streamline the process for removing, demoting, or suspending VA employees who are found to be underperforming or engaging in misconduct. This would allow the VA to more effectively address issues within the department and hold employees accountable for their actions.
The VA Accountability Act is designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the VA by providing the department with the tools necessary to address personnel issues in a timely and appropriate manner. By aligning the disciplinary policies for VA employees with those of other federal government employees, the bill aims to promote accountability and ensure that the needs of our nation's veterans are being met. Overall, the VA Accountability Act seeks to enhance the performance and accountability of the Department of Veterans Affairs by implementing consistent and fair disciplinary policies for its employees.
Congressional Summary of HR 932
Protecting VA Employees Act
This bill modifies procedures related to removals, demotions, suspensions, and disciplinary and grievance procedures for certain employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The bill provides that employees of the VA must be treated the same as other federal employees in procedures for removals, demotions, or suspensions based on performance or misconduct. Specifically, the bill repeals certain provisions that implemented separate procedures for the removal, demotion, or suspension of VA employees based on performance or misconduct. The provisions repealed by the bill do not apply to senior executives, appointees in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), political appointees, or individuals who have not completed a probationary or trial period.
The bill also restores certain disciplinary and grievance procedures for certain appointed VHA personnel, specifically physicians, dentists, podiatrists, chiropractors, optometrists, registered nurses, physician assistants, and expanded-function dental auxiliaries. Specifically, the bill (1) reauthorizes individuals who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement to elect whether to proceed with a case via collective bargaining procedures or through the VA grievance procedures; and (2) restores the timing of the administration of cases regarding major adverse actions and other cases brought against specified VHA appointed positions, including to require the deciding official to render a decision within 21 days of receipt of the employee’s answer to a major adverse action charge.
