VVA Commends Sen. Isakson for Introduction of VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act
Posted: Mon May 15, 2017 8:48 am
VVA Commends Sen. Isakson for Introduction of VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act
(Washington, D.C.) Vietnam Veterans of America commends Sen. Johnny Isakson, chair, Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, for his leadership in introducing the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, said John Rowan, VVA National President. This bipartisan legislation, when enacted, will establish in law the newly created Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Office at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act will give the VA Secretary the necessary tools to discipline bad employees in a timely manner, making it easier to remove, demote, or suspend a VA employee for misconduct or poor performance. Furthermore, it will ensure that an individual removed from the VA is not kept on the VAs payroll while appealing that decision.
Also included in the legislation are a number of provisions designed to hold employees accountable. Managers will be required to address poor performance and misconduct among employees as part of the annual performance plan; VA will be required to evaluate supervisors based on the protection of whistleblowers; and bonuses and relocation expenses will be prohibited for employees who have been found guilty of wrongdoing.
We are especially pleased to see improved protections for whistleblowers, said Rowan. Those brave men and women who have stepped forward in defense of our veterans should never, ever have been victimized for telling the truth. This legislation will protect this new office within the VA will go a long way toward ensuring that those who have stood up in defense of the Constitution receive the care and respect they have earned.
(Washington, D.C.) Vietnam Veterans of America commends Sen. Johnny Isakson, chair, Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, for his leadership in introducing the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, said John Rowan, VVA National President. This bipartisan legislation, when enacted, will establish in law the newly created Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Office at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act will give the VA Secretary the necessary tools to discipline bad employees in a timely manner, making it easier to remove, demote, or suspend a VA employee for misconduct or poor performance. Furthermore, it will ensure that an individual removed from the VA is not kept on the VAs payroll while appealing that decision.
Also included in the legislation are a number of provisions designed to hold employees accountable. Managers will be required to address poor performance and misconduct among employees as part of the annual performance plan; VA will be required to evaluate supervisors based on the protection of whistleblowers; and bonuses and relocation expenses will be prohibited for employees who have been found guilty of wrongdoing.
We are especially pleased to see improved protections for whistleblowers, said Rowan. Those brave men and women who have stepped forward in defense of our veterans should never, ever have been victimized for telling the truth. This legislation will protect this new office within the VA will go a long way toward ensuring that those who have stood up in defense of the Constitution receive the care and respect they have earned.