Moolenaar Votes for VA Accountability Legislation

Today, in an overwhelming bipartisan vote, the House of Representatives passed the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017. The legislation will hold officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) accountable and make it easier to fire those who fail our veterans. It will also protect whistleblowers who expose scandals at the department.

The VA needs this authority so it is easier to fire employees like this one.

The protections for whistleblowers come after a whistleblower at the VA's Phoenix facility was harassed for exposing a secret waitlist while hundreds of veterans died waiting for care.

The legislation is endorsed by numerous veterans organizations and it unanimously passed the Senate last week. It now goes to the president for his signature.

Congressman John Moolenaar voted for the legislation and released the following statement:

"This legislation is an important part of holding the VA accountable for the care of our veterans. While the majority of VA employees are hardworking, it is vital that we streamline the process for removing those who have failed our veterans. This legislation will help ensure the VA has the best people providing our veterans with the care they earned for serving our country."