Rep. Robert Pittenger
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) urged his colleagues to restore accountability and transparency at the Department of Veterans Affairs by supporting the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act (H.R. 5620), which he co-sponsored with Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL).
“We owe our brave veterans a debt we can never repay,” said Congressman Pittenger. “As a small token of our gratitude, we have the privilege of providing veterans with appropriate care and benefits. Too often, the care provided at the VA expresses the opposite of gratitude, and does not demonstrate the privilege of serving veterans.”
The VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act (H.R. 5620):
*Authorizes the VA Secretary to fire or demote VA employees for poor performance or misconduct, and reduce pensions for VA executives convicted of job-related felonies.
*Reforms the VA appeals process by providing veterans the option of an expedited appeal.
*Streamlines the whistleblower process and provides new protections for whistleblowers.
The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on passage of the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act (H.R. 5620) late this afternoon.
Watch full video of Pittenger’s statement.
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