VA Reform Legislation Signed Into Law

Press Release

Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) announced that the bipartisan Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act (S.1094) was signed into law today by President Trump. This bill, which passed the House of Representatives on June 13, 2017, 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 VA Secretary with the authority to remove a VA employee based on misconduct or poor performance.

Congressman Zeldin said, "The Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, which is now law, will reform and strengthen our VA system. A key part of this reform legislation is to hold poor performing employees accountable by providing VA administration with necessary resources and flexibility. I believe that nearly all VA employees genuinely care about the work they do and want to help veterans, but we must always ensure that the 1% who are not acting in the best interest of veterans are held accountable. Also included in this law is much needed protection for whistleblowers, which will ensure that those who come forward about wrongdoings will be protected. Reforming the VA to improve the quality of care for our nation's heroes is necessary. This new law is an important step forward to best care for our veterans."

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