Ross Votes to Pass VA Accountability Act

Statement

U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 1994, the VA Accountability Act, which authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to remove or demote VA employees based on performance or any misconduct, as well as remove such individuals from the civil service or demote the individuals through a reduction in grade or annual pay rate.

"America's Veterans are the backbone of the freedom and prosperity this country has enjoyed for more than 200 years. We owe them a debt that we can never truly repay. Reports of VA hospital employee misconduct, including falsifying wait times of Veterans seeking medical care, are completely unacceptable.

"I voted in favor of the VA Accountability Act to make it easier to fire, remove or reprimand VA employees who are underperforming. I will continue to press for vigorous Congressional oversight of VA programs to ensure our brave and selfless Veterans always receive the timely and quality care they deserve, and that funding levels directed by Congress are implemented efficiently."

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