House Sends VA Reform Legislation to the President to be Signed into Law

Press Release

Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) announced that the Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act (S.1094), bipartisan legislation that passed the House of Representatives today, will be sent to the President to be signed into law. The Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act makes commonsense reforms to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), by ensuring accountability throughout the VA and expanding protections for whistleblowers. The legislation also provides the Secretary of the VA with the authority to remove a VA employee based on misconduct or poor performance.

Congressman Zeldin said, "Today, I voted in support of the Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, which makes much needed reforms to our VA system and provides the necessary resources and flexibility VA administration needs to hold poor performing employees accountable. While I have always believed that 99% of VA employees genuinely care about the work they do and want to help veterans, we must always ensure that the 1% of those who are not acting in the best interest of veterans are held accountable. The legislation also further protects whistleblowers, ensuring those who come forward about wrongdoings will be protected. With both House and Senate passage of this bipartisan bill, we are now one step closer to this bill being signed into law by the President. Supporting our veterans must always be one of our top priorities. Reforming the VA to improve the quality of care for our nation's heroes is necessary in that effort."

The Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act (S.1094) passed the Senate on June 6, 2017.

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