Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–July 30, 2015. Today, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) voted for H.R. 1994, VA Accountability Act of 2015. The legislation willenhance accountability at VA and build on reforms in the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 . H.R. 1994 passed the House of Representatives. Congresswoman Duckworth released the following statement:
“Like all Americans, I remain deeply disappointed in the mismanagement and misconduct that took place at the Phoenix VA and at VA facilities throughout our country. I am committed to rebuilding trust and confidence in the Department of Veterans Affairs and making sure that Veterans are never again subject to unacceptable wait times.”
“The vast majority of VA employees, many of whom are Veterans, work tirelessly to provide excellent service and care. But there must be accountability for those who put Veterans at risk by failing to do their jobs. Secretary McDonald personally promised Veterans across the country that he will do everything in his power to strengthen VA’s delivery of services. Congress must empower VA to make true, lasting changes at the Department.”
“This legislation is an improvement over the status quo, but it is far from perfect and needs enhancement as it moves through the legislative process. I was disappointed that an amendment was rejected that would have improved due process protections for VA employees and strengthened protections for whistleblowers even more than in this bill. This is a starting point and I hope that we will work in a bipartisan manner towards improving this legislation as it heads to the Senate.”
Source: www.duckworth.house.gov
