Underwood’s Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Oversight of Veterans’ Care Signed Into Law
WASHINGTON—Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Steve Womack (AR-03), Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Dave Joyce (OH-14), are celebrating the passage of their legislation to strengthen oversight and accountability at the U.S. Department of Veterans of Affairs (VA). The bill, Underwood’s 19th piece of legislation to become law, was signed by President Biden on January 2, 2025.
Underwood’s VA Office of Inspector General Training Act requires VA employees to complete trainings from VA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) so that staff are fully informed on how to report waste, fraud and abuse, and participate in whistleblower processes and investigations.
In 2021, VA Secretary Denis McDonough signed a directive requiring all VA employees complete an OIG training, but future secretaries could have rolled back this requirement. The VA OIG Training Act makes the requirement permanent.
“Making VA stronger and ensuring it provides world-class care and the benefits our veterans deserve is a top priority for me in Congress,” said Representative Lauren Underwood. “The VA OIG Training Act will improve oversight and require VA employees to learn how to report wrongdoing. This bipartisan legislation will promote a culture of integrity and accountability at VA, protecting taxpayer dollars, and improving the care our veterans receive. I am so proud that it is now law.”
“I’m grateful the VA OIG Training Act is now the law of the land. VA employees will be fully equipped and prepared to report waste, fraud, and abuse. Adequate oversight and accountability at the VA saves taxpayer dollars and, more importantly, saves veterans’ lives. This legislation works to ensure the tragedies that occurred at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center never happen again,” said Representative Steve Womack.
“The VA Office of the Inspector General plays a critical role in helping curtail waste, fraud, and abuse at VA, but my office has heard from VA employees in New Hampshire that many VA staff are unaware of the services they provide,” said Pappas, Ranking Member of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (DAMA) Subcommittee of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee (HVAC). “The VA OIG Training Act will increase awareness of these services and reassure VA employees that they will be protected if they report wrongdoing to protect both our veterans and taxpayer dollars. I’m pleased that this bipartisan legislation has been signed into law, and I will always work to strengthen services at VA and address the needs of New Hampshire veterans.”
“The men and women who have selflessly served our country in uniform deserve the highest quality of care, but that can only happen if the VA is operating efficiently and being held accountable to the veterans they serve,” said Congressman Joyce. “I am proud to see the VA OIG Training Act officially signed into law to ensure VA employees are reporting wrongdoings correctly so that our nation’s veterans get the care they need.”
VA’s OIG works to improve the efficiency and integrity of VA operations. The office’s effectiveness depends on the participation of VA employees; early and accurate reporting by staff can save patients’ lives, ensure veterans receive benefits and services, and recoup billions of dollars.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Training Act will:
- Require every current and future VA employee to participate in a training from VA's OIG about reporting to and cooperating with the OIG.
- Ensure that the VA OIG’s training includes information about:
- Mechanisms for reporting fraud, waste, abuse, and other wrongdoing at the VA.
- Protections for VA employees who report wrongdoing to the OIG.
- Opportunities to strengthen OIG programs, operations, and services to ensure the OIG can provide effective oversight, reduce fraud, and protect taxpayer dollars.
The full text of the law can be viewed here.
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