Should we make it easier to fire employees from the VA who engage in ‘misconduct’?

National Security and Defense
VA Accountability First Act of 2017 (H.R. 1259)
This bill has Passed the House of Representatives
Bill Summary

This bill expedites the process of firing an employee from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) by drastically shortening the overall termination and appeals process to the department. This bill would also prevent workers from being paid during the termination process. Sponsor: Rep. Roe, David P. [R-TN-1]
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Opponents say

"The VA Accountability First Act of 2017 is a union-busting bill – plain and simple. It will only advance the agenda of the Koch brothers, anti-union lawmakers, and private, for-profit corporations that would reap the benefits of a dismantled VA medical system. Backhanded efforts to eliminate employees' workplace rights does nothing to improve the VA or veterans' care. In fact, it leaves our nation's veterans without the advocates who are empowered to speak up on their behalf every day” -- David Cox Sr., National President of the American Federation of Government Employees.

Proponents say

It can take years to fire employees that have engaged in misconduct, and often said employees are on paid leave sitting at home. This process needs to be expedited.
"The VA Accountability First Act of 2017 would make it easier to fire bad VA employees and empower Secretary Shulkin with the ability to take back bonuses given to those who engage in misconduct. This is a common-sense measure that the House should pass without delay – veterans’ lives are on the line.” -- Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) Policy Director Dan Caldwell
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