Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Jerry Moran
Introduced
Summary
Would let the VA remove, demote, or suspend supervisors and managers faster by using a new "substantial evidence" discipline process while preserving whistleblower protections. This bill would also set clear decision factors and short timelines for initial decisions and internal grievances.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Faster discipline for VA supervisors
If enacted, VA could remove, demote, or suspend supervisors faster and with fewer appeals. You would get advance notice, an evidence file, and the right to a representative. The notice, response, and final decision stages together could not exceed 15 business days and your response would be limited to 7 business days. Demotion would lower your grade and annual pay. Suspensions over 14 days would be unpaid. Whistleblower cases require Office of Special Counsel approval or final referral steps before action.
New discipline rules for VA employees
If enacted, VA could remove, demote, or suspend covered employees so long as the Secretary finds substantial evidence. Initial decisions must weigh job level, past discipline and work record, and mitigating facts. The Secretary could act without a performance improvement plan and these rules could override inconsistent collective bargaining agreements. Appeals to the Merit Systems Protection Board would generally be barred except for constitutional claims.
Tighter rules for VA senior executives
If enacted, VA senior executive discipline would require decisions to be supported by substantial evidence. Decisionmakers would have to apply a narrow set of factors about the offense and job prominence. The Secretary would review initial decisions and could uphold them. Except for constitutional claims, courts generally could not reduce penalties.
Secretary picks VA disciplinary track
If enacted, the VA Secretary could choose which discipline process applies to Veterans Health Administration employees. The Secretary could pick the new supervisor track, the broader VA employee track, or traditional Title 5 rules. That choice would change appeal rights and timing for VHA staff. This would take effect upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Jerry Moran
KS • R
Cosponsors
Tommy Tuberville
AL • R
Sponsored 1/16/2025
Bill Cassidy
LA • R
Sponsored 1/16/2025
Jim Banks
IN • R
Sponsored 1/16/2025
Marsha Blackburn
TN • R
Sponsored 1/16/2025
John Boozman
AR • R
Sponsored 1/16/2025
Tim Sheehy
MT • R
Sponsored 1/16/2025
Kevin Cramer
ND • R
Sponsored 1/16/2025
Thomas Tillis
NC • R
Sponsored 1/16/2025
Pete Ricketts
NE • R
Sponsored 1/16/2025
Rick Scott
FL • R
Sponsored 1/16/2025
James Risch
ID • R
Sponsored 1/16/2025
Lindsey Graham
SC • R
Sponsored 1/16/2025
Ted Budd
NC • R
Sponsored 1/21/2025
Bill Hagerty
TN • R
Sponsored 1/21/2025
Mike Rounds
SD • R
Sponsored 1/22/2025
Ted Cruz
TX • R
Sponsored 1/28/2025
Ashley Moody
FL • R
Sponsored 4/9/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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