President Signs New VA Accountability Law

Today, President Donald Trump signed into law the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017.

The legislation overwhelmingly passed the House last week and unanimously passed the Senate earlier this month.

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

"In a time when so much news coverage focuses on division in Washington, as Americans there is still more that unites us than divides us. Republicans, Democrats and President Trump all agree that our veterans deserve the best care. The new law the president signed today will promote accountability in government and help the VA provide our veterans with the care they have earned in service to our country."

Background on the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection 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.