Ross: This is how the administration thanks our Veterans?

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross (FL-15) issued the following statement in support of H.R. 4031, the Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability Act of 2014. This legislation will allow senior officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs to be fired from their positions if their performance warrants removal. Rep. Ross is a cosponsor of H.R. 4031.

"Recently, it has come to light that Veterans are being placed on secret care waiting lists and left there for years so that the administration isn't held accountable for providing them with timely access to health care. Tragically, some of these Veterans have passed away while waiting.

"These Veterans who gave their lives in service are now receiving the cold shoulder from the administration's Department of Veterans Affairs. This is how the administration thanks our Veterans?

"It is unacceptable that this type of behavior is tolerated and occurs throughout the department. That's exactly why we are voting on the bill today that would hold VA accountable and why we need to pass my Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act. Our Veterans have given so much for our country. We must ensure that they receive the quality care they deserve."

Background:

H.R. 4031 gives the Secretary of Veterans Affairs authority to remove an employee of the Senior Executive Service if the Secretary determines that the employee's performance warrants removal. The Secretary can remove the individual from federal service entirely, or transfer him to a General Schedule position within the civil service system. Within thirty days of removing the individual, the Secretary must notify the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the removal and the reason for it. H.R. 4031 provides that the employee's removal shall be done in the same manner as the removal of a professional staff member of a Member of Congress.

Rep. Ross introduced H.R. 241, the Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act to ensure that Veterans seeking primary and specialty care from a VA medical facility will receive an appointment within 30 days.

Ross supported H.R. 4486, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that would increase discretionary funding for Veterans programs by $1.5 billion above last year.

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