WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

S. 124 · 119th Congress

Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025

IntroducedArmed Forces and National Security
IntroducedJan 16, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
Passed HouseNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Introduced. Latest step, Mar 11, 2025: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 119-35.

What it does

Sourced

Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act of 2025 or the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025

This bill modifies personnel action procedures regarding certain employees and executives of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The bill authorizes the VA to remove from civil service, demote, or suspend VA employees that are supervisors or managers if the VA determines by substantial evidence that the performance or misconduct of such individual warrants such action. This authority does not apply to certain appointees or individuals in their probationary or trial period.

Supervisors or managers who are subject to a removal, demotion, or suspension under this bill are entitled to (1) advance notice of the action and supporting evidence, (2) representation by an attorney or representative, and (3) grieve the action in accordance with an internal grievance process.

The bill also provides protections from removal, demotion, or suspension for supervisor or managers who are whistleblowers or are seeking corrective action for an alleged prohibited personnel practice such as discrimination.

The bill also modifies the procedures to remove, demote, or suspend VA employees or senior executives based on performance or misconduct, specifically by requiring the VA to determine by substantial evidence that the performance or misconduct of the individual warrants such removal, demotion, or suspension. Such procedures must apply retroactively, beginning on the date of enactment of the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 (June 23, 2017).

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in Senate, Jan 16, 2025).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

Sourced
  1. Jan 16, 2025Introduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Show all 3 recorded actions

Cosponsors

  • Jim Banks R-IN
  • Marsha Blackburn R-TN
  • John Boozman R-AR
  • Ted Budd R-NC
  • Bill Cassidy R-LA
  • Kevin Cramer R-ND
  • Ted Cruz R-TX
  • Sen. Lindsey Graham R-SC
  • Bill Hagerty R-TN
  • Ashley Moody R-FL
  • Pete Ricketts R-NE
  • James E. Risch R-ID
Show 6 more cosponsors
  • Mike Rounds R-SD
  • Rick Scott R-FL
  • Tim Sheehy R-MT
  • Dan Sullivan R-AK
  • Thom Tillis R-NC
  • Tommy Tuberville R-AL