S-290 : Still Just a Bill

Increasing the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability to Veterans Act of 2015

Requires the reduction of the federal annuities of individuals removed from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Senior Executive Service (SES) if they are convicted of a felony that influenced their performance while employed in such position.

Authorizes the VA Secretary to order the reduction of the federal annuities of individuals who were convicted of such a felony and were subject to removal or transfer from the VA SES, but who left the VA before final action was taken.

Reduces such annuities by excluding the covered service performed after the activity that subjects such an individual to transfer or removal occurs.

Requires the performance appraisal system for VA SES employees to provide for five specified annual summary ratings of levels of performance. Provides that in any given year no more than: (1) 10% of such employees may receive the outstanding level of performance, and (2) 20% of such employees may receive the exceeds-fully-successful level of performance.

Requires the Secretary to take any complaint or report from an appropriate person or entity related to any facility or program managed by an SES employee into account in evaluating that employee's performance.

Directs the Secretary, at least once every five years, to reassign each SES employee to a position at a different location that does not include the supervision of the same personnel or programs. Allows the Secretary to waive such requirement if the Secretary submits to Congress notice of, and the reasons for, such waiver.

Directs the Secretary to contract with a nongovernmental entity for a review of the management training program for VA SES employees.

Prohibits the Secretary from placing a VA SES employee on administrative leave, or any other type of paid non-duty status, for more than a total of 14 days during any 365-day period. Allows the Secretary to waive such prohibition with respect to such an employee if the Secretary provides Congress with a detailed explanation of the reasons the employee was placed on such leave or status and the reasons for extending that placement.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2016-12-12FloorHeld at the desk.House floor actions
2016-12-12FloorReceived in the House.House floor actions
2016-12-12FloorMessage on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
2016-12-10FloorPassed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.Senate
2016-12-10FloorMeasure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S7109)Senate
2016-12-09CalendarsPlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 725.Senate
2016-12-09CommitteeCommittee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Isakson with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.Senate
2015-12-09CommitteeCommittee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.Senate
2015-09-16CommitteeCommittee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 114-212.Senate
2015-01-28IntroReferralRead twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.Senate
2015-01-28IntroReferralIntroduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Armed Forces and National Security
See Subjects
  • Congressional oversight
  • Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Employee leave
  • Employee performance
  • Federal officials
  • Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
  • Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
  • Government studies and investigations
  • Public contracts and procurement

Related Bills

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