Sessions Votes to Hold VA Accountable and Better Serve Nations Veterans

WASHINGTON DC - U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions chairman of the House Committee on Rules today released the following statement after voting for a bill to provide for the removal or demotion of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) based on performance or misconduct:

The men and women who have bravely put their lives on the line for the safety and security of the United States our nations veterans deserve only the best care and treatment available. In recent years this has seemed impossible due to the shortfalls at the VA. Ive heard horror stories of nurses operating on patients while under the influence of drugs supervisors who retaliate against whistleblowers and the administrative mess that has left almost 457000 appeals cases pending. Not only are these shortfalls dangerous they care costing taxpayers billions of dollars and many times employees are not held accountable. Under no circumstance should a VA employee who has jeopardized our nations veterans health and safety continue to reap the benefits of their employment. The legislation that passed the House today will help eliminate red tape protect whistleblowers and allow the VA more flexibility in providing proper punishment to employees performing poorly. For more information on H.R. 5620 VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016 click here.