Rep. Takano Statement on Legislation Advanced by House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs advanced the VA Accountability First Act, HR 1259, as well as legislation expanding full GI Bill benefits to all veterans awarded the Purple Heart.
“Recipients of the Purple Heart have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to this country that deserves our full measure of respect. Ensuring that all veterans awarded the Purple Heart have the tools they need to succeed as civilians, regardless of the length of their service, is an important way to recognize the sacrifices they have made. I’m pleased we could advance a bill today that supports these selfless men and women.
“Unfortunately, I have strong concerns with the VA accountability bill also advanced through the Committee this morning. Every member of the Committee and every Member of Congress supports accountability for employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Building a culture of excellence at the VA is a shared goal that policymakers and VA leaders are working towards every day. The question posed by the VA Accountability First Act is whether accountability and workers’ rights are mutually exclusive. I, along with many of my colleagues, believe we can respect VA employees – a third of whom are veterans themselves – while ensuring that poor performing employees are held accountable.
“The bill advanced by the Majority today eschews a bipartisan agreement reached in the Senate in favor of more partisan legislation that violates due process protections, undermines VA employees’ collective bargaining rights, and endangers whistleblowers. As the bill progresses, I hope we can make the changes necessary to ensure this is a bipartisan bill that will translate to better care for our veterans.”
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