Congressman Billy Long (MO-07) issued the following statement today regarding his vote on the VA Accountability First Act of 2017:

“Our veterans deserve the best care available and by voting in favor of this bill, it gets us one step closer to accomplishing that goal,” said Rep. Long. “It’s important that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) be held accountable for their actions. By giving the VA Secretary more flexibility to remove, demote and suspend VA employees, it helps get rid of the bureaucratic red tape to ensure our veterans receive that care.”

Background on the VA Accountability First Act of 2017:

• Increases the VA Secretary’s flexibility to remove, demote and suspend VA employees.
• Provides protections for whistleblowers.
• Gives authority to the VA Secretary to reduce an employee’s federal pension if convicted of a felony.
• Allows the VA Secretary to recoup bonuses given to an employee that has either engaged in employer misconduct or performed poorly before receiving the bonus.