Is this just giveing the VA more to do? Vets' benefits, VA accountability in new legislation

2015-06-26T09:33:24-04:00

Note: Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., never served and will never be treated in a VA facility.
Note: Sen. Patty Murray's (D-Wash.) father was a World War II veteran and a Purple Heart recipient

Some of the proposals were endorsed by VA even as the department said it would need more money to implement them.

But others, such as a bill sponsored by Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., that would give the VA secretary broader powers to fire employees, ran into opposition from VA officials, who said such a measure would lower morale and hurt VA's ability to recruit quality employees.

Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee members heard pitches on six bills Wednesday, including two from Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., that have been introduced in previous years but never made into law.

Murray's legislation, the Women Veterans and Families Health Services bill and Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement bill, would require VA to cover infertility treatments for veterans with service-related fertility problems, create a child care program to cover baby-sitting during medical appointments and expand benefits to family and friends who provide support and care for ill and injured troops similar to programs available to post-9/11 veterans.

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/benefits/veterans/2015/06/25/svac-proposed-va-legislation/29259809/

Vets' benefits, VA accountability in new legislation

Senators pressed Veterans Affairs Committee colleagues on Wednesday to support bills that would reform VA and increase benefits for some vets,

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jun 26 at 2015 9:46 AM

2015-06-26T09:46:42-04:00

First of all their if misconception that VA employees cannot be fired. As a VA employee I assure they can and do get fired at my facility. That said, they are still government employees, and entitled to their union agreement. Just like any other union agreement the rules have to be followed.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 9:57 AM

2015-06-26T09:57:05-04:00

This does nothing, but create more patients for the VA to screw over. There is no way in hell I would let anyone that works for the VA to look after my children. Besides that, the only other people that should be "Cared for" by the VA are our Politicians. They should be subjected to the same horse shit we are.