Weekly Spotlight: Protecting voices at the VA
Our testimony in support of stronger whistleblower protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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This week, we submitted testimony to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs about the issue of whistleblower retaliation and lack of accountability at the VA.
Over the years, whistleblowers at the VA have played a critical role in bringing serious misconduct and corruption to the public’s attention. They have shed light on life-or-death matters like medical negligence, secret wait lists, and extended delays in care at VA hospitals. Their disclosures were instrumental to policy changes that have held the VA to its core mission of serving veterans. But whistleblower retaliation is rampant: A report from earlier this year found that between 2018 and 2022, 69% of truth-tellers at the VA reported experiencing retaliation after making their disclosures.
In the testimony, we provide recommendations for Congress to remedy the situation by securing the independence of the VA's Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection and empowering them to enforce disciplinary recommendations for senior leaders who retaliate.
The hearing was postponed this week, but we will circle back with a link to watch our policy counsel Joe Spielberger delivering the testimony when the hearing is rescheduled.
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ANALYSIS
The Federal Government Can’t Keep Ignoring Operation Lone Star
Congress and the Biden administration have looked the other way from the Texas governor’s abuses at the border for too long. It’s time for meaningful change.
TESTIMONY
POGO to Congress: Defend Whistleblowers, Improve VA Services
Congress and the Biden administration have looked the other way from the Texas governor’s abuses at the border for too long. It’s time for meaningful change.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“When it came to this balance between speed and accuracy, I think we miscalculated and put too much emphasis on getting money out the door quickly.”
Liz Hempowicz, Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs, in the Washington Post
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