Palmer Supports Reforms to Protect Veterans from Bureaucratic Misbehavior

For Immediate Release

Washington, DC – Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL), voted for H.R. 1994, the VA Accountability Act of 2015, which passed the House today. The bill is aimed at remedying some of the abuses that have been revealed as part of the Veteran's Affairs (VA) scandal.

"Our military veterans deserve our very best," Palmer said. "The scandals at the VA demonstrate they have instead received some of our worst. This is wrong."

"Correcting misconduct requires that people are held accountable for misbehavior. This bill will ensure greater accountability for VA employees by allowing for timely dismissal of employees who engage in misconduct, while ensuring whistleblower protection."

VA employees allegedly manipulated data to hide considerable wait times for healthcare. Reports say that at least 40 veterans died at the Phoenix VA facility while waiting for care between April of 2013 and April of 2014. A 2014 VA internal audit estimated 120,000 veterans were left waiting or never received care. Other instances of mismanagement and misconduct by VA employees have also been uncovered. Yet, a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found it took an average of six months to remove a civil servant.

This bill makes it easier to remove or demote VA employees based on misconduct or poor performance. It provides for protection for whistleblowers by curbing this power if the person in question has alleged illegal or improper practices occurring at the VA. It also limits paid administrative leave to 14 days a year, and allows for a reduction in retirement pension if an employee is convicted of a felony.

For any additional questions, contact:

Cliff Smith, (202) 225-4921, clifford.smith@mail.house.gov

U.S. Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) serves on three Congressional committees: Oversight and Government Reform, Budget, and Science, Space and Technology. Visit Palmer online at his website or via Facebook,Twitter, or Instagram.