A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to impose limitations on the provision of critical skill incentives to employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Senior Executive Services positions, and for other purposes.

2/7/2025, 11:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 396

Bill 119 s 396, also known as the "Department of Veterans Affairs Senior Executive Accountability Act," aims to make changes to title 38 of the United States Code in order to restrict the awarding of critical skill incentives to employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs who hold Senior Executive Services positions. These incentives are typically given to employees who possess specialized skills that are deemed critical to the agency's mission.

The bill seeks to impose limitations on the provision of these incentives in order to ensure greater accountability and oversight within the Department of Veterans Affairs. By restricting the awarding of these incentives, the bill aims to prevent misuse or abuse of taxpayer funds and to promote transparency and efficiency within the agency.

In addition to imposing limitations on critical skill incentives, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to the Department of Veterans Affairs. These additional purposes are not specified in the summary provided. Overall, Bill 119 s 396 is focused on enhancing accountability and oversight within the Department of Veterans Affairs by placing restrictions on the provision of critical skill incentives to employees in Senior Executive Services positions.

Congressional Summary of S 396

Stop Government Rewards Enriching Executives in the District Act of 2025 or the Stop GREED Act of 2025

This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from providing certain senior level employees with a critical skill incentive, which is generally a payment bonus for employees possessing a high-demand skill or skill that is at a shortage. Specifically, the VA may not provide such an incentive to an employee in a Senior Executive Service position or other comparable position at the central office of the VA (e.g., the Veterans Health Administration), regardless of the actual location where the employee performs the functions of the position.

The bill also provides that an incentive may be provided to senior-level employees on an individual basis and upon approval by specified officers (e.g., the Under Secretary for Health). Additionally, senior-level employees whose positions are primarily at the central office of the VA but perform some portion of the job function at other VA facilities are exempt from the prohibition.

The VA must report to Congress annually regarding senior-level employees who were provided a critical skill incentive.

Current Status of Bill S 396

Bill S 396 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 4, 2025. Bill S 396 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on February 4, 2025. Bill S 396's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. as of February 4, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 396

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 396

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 396

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to impose limitations on the provision of critical skill incentives to employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Senior Executive Services positions, and for other purposes.