U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Angus King announced on Apr. 29 the introduction of bipartisan legislation that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a long-term workforce strategy aimed at improving outcomes for veterans.
The proposed Optimizing the VA Workforce for Veterans Act seeks to ensure that staffing levels within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are aligned with both current and future demand for health care and benefits, extending down to local facilities. The bill mandates a strategic plan based on industry best practices, as well as goals to enhance productivity, recruit and retain veterans, military spouses, caregivers, and survivors, and reduce hiring times.
“Veterans deserve a VA workforce that is adequately staffed to deliver the healthcare and benefits they have earned through service,” said Senator Moran. “By creating a mandatory workforce strategy focused on improved outcomes, this legislation will help the department more effectively recruit, retain and manage its workforce. Through this legislation, VA will be better equipped to provide veterans, their spouses, dependents and survivors with the timely, high-quality health care and benefits they deserve. I appreciate Sen. King for joining me on this legislation, and I look forward to working toward its passage.”
Senator King said: “Our veterans served this country with grit and class, and now it is our turn to return the favor and provide access to the high-quality care and benefits they have rightly earned. The current workforce shortage at the VA is an unforced error that we must now expeditiously work to mitigate. The bipartisan Optimizing the VA Workforce for Veterans Act would require the VA to produce a long-term workforce strategy that would improve outcomes for our veterans – going down to the most local level, matching industry best practices, and taking into account the current and future demand for services. I am grateful to work alongside my colleague and friend, Senator Moran.”
The bill also requires advance notification from VA leadership before any significant staffing changes or reductions in force occur.
Joseph R. Chenelly of AMVETS said: “Veterans deserve a VA that works for them… delivering services that will make a meaningful difference in their lives after service… I thank Chairman Moran and Senator King for introducing this important legislation.” Michelle Salazar-Rodriguez of NOVA added: “We commend the requirement for a comprehensive five-year strategic human capital plan… By calling for thorough assessments… along with a workforce gap analysis aligned with industry best practices… we believe this balanced approach will benefit Veterans.” Paralyzed Veterans of America has also voiced support.
The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee has contributed toward social progress by improving access to health care at VA facilities while aiding veteran transitions into civilian life according to its official website. The committee maintains offices in Washington’s Capitol complex according to its official website, collaborates closely with agencies like Department of Veterans Affairs according to its official website, oversees key programs supporting U.S. veterans according to its official website, exercises jurisdiction over these programs nationwide according to its official website, with Jerry Moran serving as chairman alongside Richard Blumenthal as ranking member according to its official website.
Supporters say if enacted into law this measure could help strengthen delivery of services across all levels of veteran support.
