06.23.17

Sullivan-Backed VA Accountability Bill Signed into Law

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, thanked President Trump for signing S. 1094, the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017, legislation cosponsored by Senator Sullivan.  

“I want to thank President Trump for signing this important piece of legislation into law, the product of bipartisan work and cooperation in the Veterans’ Affairs Committee,” said Senator Sullivan. “The VA Accountability Act is an important step toward restoring the trust and confidence of veterans in the VA. Secretary Shulkin now has the tools and flexibility needed to change the culture within the VA by firing employees who are ill-serving our veterans. As such, I expect to see swift action to ensure veterans receive the care they have earned and deserve.”

The legislation:  

  • Increases the VA’s authority to remove employees at all levels of the department, shortens the removal process and ensures an individual removed from the VA is not kept on the VA’s payroll while appealing that decision. 
  • Includes safeguards for whistleblowers against retaliation, as well as greater training for VA supervisors on effective management and the rights of whistleblowers.  
  • Requires the VA to report to Congress on employee morale, and update members on the effectiveness of the new accountability measures granted to the VA.

In addition to support from Secretary Shulkin, S. 1094 has been endorsed by a number of veteran service organizations, including the American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Reserve Officers Association, AMVETS, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, and Concerned Veterans for America.

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