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Hoyer Statement on VA Accountability Act of 2015

July 29, 2015

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5)released the following statement today after House Republicans passed H.R. 1994, the VA Accountability Act of 2015, that would provide the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with broader authority to remove any VA employee for misconduct or poor performance, and stripping employees of their due process rights:

“I am disappointed that House Republicans passed legislation today that would undermine protections for VA employees, including eliminating their constitutional due process protections and the VA’s ability to recruit and retain top talent for their workforce. I remain committed to ensuring that the challenges at the VA are addressed including the removal of employees that have committed wrongdoing but this is not the way to improve accountability at the VA. The VA should instead use the existing authority they have to fire employees for any misconduct or lack of performance. I urge my colleagues to continue to work with Secretary McDonald to improve the operations of the VA, including the care offered, without unduly punishing the VA's many dedicated and hard-working employees or the veterans they serve.”