Congressman Farenthold Releases Statement after VA Secretary Defends Agency Bonuses

Statement

Congressman Blake Farenthold, R-TX-27, released the following statement today after Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald defended the VA for dolling out bonuses worth millions to employees as veterans across the country still can't get access to the health care they earned by fighting for and defending our country.

"It is outrageous that almost half of all VA employees received a bonus during a time when veterans are seeing their benefits denied and issues at the VA are keeping veterans from being put first," said Congressman Farenthold. "What's worse, is the sheer number of VA employees receiving these bonuses. This is not a system for retaining good talent or rewarding good employees, this is money going to bureaucrats that should be going to those who risked their lives for this country. VA Secretary Robert McDonald's defense of this practice is unbelievable. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to approve the House-passed bill, H.R. 1994, that reduces the amount of awards and bonuses that may be paid by the VA. Further, it prohibits an award or bonus be given to a supervisor for one year who commits a prohibited personnel action and allows the VA to recoup any bonuses or awards if they were paid during that year."

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