All Roll Calls
Yes: 404 • No: 6
117-s-2687117th Congress
Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act of 2021
Sponsored By: Senator Tester, Jon [D-MT]
Became Law
Summary
Gives the VA Inspector General power to issue testimonial subpoenas. The law lets the VA IG compel witness attendance and testimony for VA oversight and lets federal courts enforce those subpoenas.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Stronger subpoena power for VA watchdog
The VA Inspector General can subpoena witnesses to attend and testify. A U.S. district court can enforce these orders. The IG must notify the Attorney General first; the AG can object in writing within 10 days, which blocks the subpoena. The IG cannot force current federal employees to testify and cannot use this power in criminal cases. The IG cannot delegate this power. When possible, the IG asks for voluntary testimony and meets near the witness’s home or work. The IG reports every six months on how this power is used, starting seven months after the first day of the first fiscal year after enactment. This authority starts on enactment and ends May 31, 2025, and subpoenas issued before that date remain enforceable.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Tester, Jon [D-MT]
MT • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR]
AR • R
Sponsored 8/10/2021
Sen. Manchin, Joe, III [D-WV]
WV • D
Sponsored 8/10/2021
Roll Call Votes
house vote • 5/17/2022
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Yes: 404 • No: 6