Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends employment procedures at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Secretary of Defense the power to remove or demote an employee of the Department of Defense if the Secretary determines that the individual's misconduct warrants such action (Title I, Sec. 3).

• Specifies that the decision of the Merit Systems Protection Board and any final removal or demotion may be appealed to the United States Court of Appeals (Title I, Sec 3).

• Prohibits the Secretary power to demote or remove an individual who has filed a whistleblower complaint without the approval of a special counsel or until a final decision with respect to the whistleblower complaint has been made )Title I, Sec. 3)

• Defines “misconduct” to include neglect of duty, malfeasance, or failure to accept a directed assignment or to accompany a position in a transfer of function (Title I, Sec. 3).

• Establishes in the Department of Defense an office to be known as the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (Title I, Sec. 8).

• Specifies that the Secretary will ensure that the Office phone for the office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection will remain a toll-free number (Title I, Sec. 8).

• Specifies the functions of the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection to the following, including, but not limited to (Title I, Sec 8):

• Advising the Secretary on all matters relating to accountability of employees;

• Reviewing and investigating allegations of misconduct, retaliation, or poor performance;

• Receiving whistleblower complaints; and

• Issuing reports and providing recommendations related to the duties.

• Specifies that the Secretary shall submit to the committee on veterans’ affairs in the House of Representatives a report over the activities of the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection no later than June 30 of each calendar year (Title I, Sec. 8).

• Defines “Whistleblower complaint” as any disclosure of information by an employee of any of the following, including, but not limited to (Title I, Sec. 8):

• A violation or a provision of law, rule, or regulation;

• Gross mismanagement or waste of funds;

• Abuse of authority; or

• Substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.

• Requires the Secretary to annually publish and release on the internet website and at each facility for the Department of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection the rights of an employee to file a whistleblower complaint (Title I, Sec. 9).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text