H.R. 932 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned, Feb 4, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryChanges how VA removes underperforming employees
This bill modifies how the Department of Veterans Affairs handles firing, demoting, and disciplining employees. It makes VA follow the same removal and discipline procedures as other federal agencies instead of using separate VA-specific rules. For certain VA medical staff like doctors, nurses, and dentists, it also restores their ability to choose whether disputes go through union procedures or VA grievance procedures, and it requires VA to make decisions on major discipline cases within 21 days.
How it affects you
VA employees, particularly those in medical roles like physicians and nurses, are affected directly. The changes could alter how quickly they face discipline decisions and what options they have to challenge disciplinary actions. Most other Americans wouldn't notice a direct change, though the bill aims to make VA employee discipline more consistent with how other federal agencies handle these situations.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Feb 4, 2025)
Protecting VA Employees Act
This bill modifies procedures related to removals, demotions, suspensions, and disciplinary and grievance procedures for certain employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The bill provides that employees of the VA must be treated the same as other federal employees in procedures for removals, demotions, or suspensions based on performance or misconduct. Specifically, the bill repeals certain provisions that implemented separate procedures for the removal, demotion, or suspension of VA employees based on performance or misconduct. The provisions repealed by the bill do not apply to senior executives, appointees in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), political appointees, or individuals who have not completed a probationary or trial period.
The bill also restores certain disciplinary and grievance procedures for certain appointed VHA personnel, specifically physicians, dentists, podiatrists, chiropractors, optometrists, registered nurses, physician assistants, and expanded-function dental auxiliaries. Specifically, the bill (1) reauthorizes individuals who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement to elect whether to proceed with a case via collective bargaining procedures or through the VA grievance procedures; and (2) restores the timing of the administration of cases regarding major adverse actions and other cases brought against specified VHA appointed positions, including to require the deciding official to render a decision within 21 days of receipt of the employee’s answer to a major adverse action charge.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 932
A BILL
Protecting VA Employees Act
Sponsor: Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) · Introduced Feb 4, 2025 · Armed Forces and National Security · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 6, 2025: “Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.”