Notice and justification required before reduction in force at Department of Veterans Affairs

(a) In general Not later than 180 days before commencing any effort to carry out a reduction in force, or similar action under a different name, at the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit a justification for the reduction in force or similar action to the following: (1) The Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate. (2) The Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. (3) The labor organizations that represent employees of the Department. (4) Each employee of the Department who will be affected by the reduction in force or similar action. (b) Contents Each justification submitted pursuant to subsection (a) for a reduction in force or similar action shall include the following: (1) For each employee or position that will be terminated pursuant to the reduction in force or similar action, the following: (A) Documentation and analysis used to determine that the termination will not reduce or negatively affect delivery of care or benefits for veterans. (B) Documentation and analysis used to determine that the termination will not cost the Department or the Federal Government more than if the Department were to retain the position or employee. (C) Cost estimate, strategic plan, analysis, and any other relevant information or documentation the Secretary used to determine the need to terminate the employee or position. (2) The planned timeline for the reduction in force or similar action and the methodology the Secretary will use to track the actual effects of the reduction in force or similar action. (3) Options for changing the plans of the Secretary and a strategy should an unexpected negative impact to veterans occur from the planned actions.