United States · Bill · HR
H.R. 1259 (115th)
VA Accountability First Act of 2017
Introduced
28 February 2017
Last action
21 March 2017 · Introduced
Status
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Sponsors
Rep. Roe, David P. [R-TN-1], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19], Rep. Coffman, Mike [R-CO-6], Rep. Wenstrup, Brad R. [R-OH-2], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. Poliquin, Bruce [R-ME-2], Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN], Rescom. González-Colón, Jenniffer [R-PR-At Large], Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3], Rep. DeSantis, Ron [R-FL-6], Rep. Royce, Edward R. [R-CA-39], Rep. Pittenger, Robert [R-NC-9], Rep. Davidson, Warren [R-OH-8], Rep. Walorski, Jackie [R-IN-2], Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2], Rep. Rokita, Todd [R-IN-4], Rep. Byrne, Bradley [R-AL-1], Rep. Harper, Gregg [R-MS-3], James Renacci, Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-17], Rep. Cole, Tom [R-OK-4], Sen. Sinema, Kyrsten [I-AZ], Rep. Tipton, Scott R. [R-CO-3], Rep. Johnson, Sam [R-TX-3]
Subjects
Defence
Source updated
21 January 2026
Summary
VA Accountability First Act of 2017 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to remove, demote by a reduction in grade and pay, or suspend a VA employee, including a member in a senior executive position, for reasons of performance or misconduct. The bill prescribes VA removal and employee appeals procedures. Whistle-blower protections are revised, including by prohibiting VA from taking any such action against a person who has a pending whistle-blower complaint. This bill provides for the reduction of federal annuities of VA employees and retirees convicted of a felony that influenced their performance while employed in such position. The VA may recoup certain bonuses, awards, and reallocation expenses. The VA may directly appoint qualifying individuals to the positions of Medical Center Director and Director of Veterans Integrated Service Network. The bill revises time periods for adverse action reviews with respect to physicians, dentists, podiatrists, chiropractors, optometrists, registered nurses, physician assistants, and expanded-function dental auxiliaries.
This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.
Timeline
28 February 2017
Introduced
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Source: IntroReferral
28 February 2017
Introduced
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Source: IntroReferral
28 February 2017
Introduced
Introduced in House
Source: IntroReferral
28 February 2017
Introduced
Introduced in House
Source: IntroReferral
10 March 2017
Calendars
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 16.
Source: Calendars
10 March 2017
Discharge
Committee on Oversight and Government discharged.
Source: Discharge
10 March 2017
Committee
Committee on Oversight and Government discharged.
Source: Committee
10 March 2017
Reported
Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 115-34, Part I.
Source: Committee
10 March 2017
Reported
Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 115-34, Part I.
Source: Committee
16 March 2017
Passed
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Source: Floor
16 March 2017
Vote
On passage Passed by recorded vote: 237 - 178 (Roll no. 168).
Source: Floor
16 March 2017
Vote
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 237 - 178 (Roll no. 168).
Source: Floor
16 March 2017
Vote
On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 189 - 229 (Roll no. 167).
Source: Floor
16 March 2017
Floor
The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
Source: Floor
16 March 2017
Floor
Mr. Kihuen moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (text: CR H2133)
Source: Floor
16 March 2017
Passed
The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2122-2125)
Source: Floor
16 March 2017
Floor
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Source: Floor
16 March 2017
Floor
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1259.
Source: Floor
16 March 2017
Floor
GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1259.
Source: Floor
16 March 2017
Floor
The Speaker designated the Honorable Harold Rogers to act as Chairman of the Committee.
Source: Floor
16 March 2017
Floor
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 198 and Rule XVIII.
Source: Floor
16 March 2017
Floor
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 198. (consideration: CR H2114-2135)
Source: Floor
21 March 2017
Introduced
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Source: IntroReferral
Votes
16 March 2017 · passed · On Passage · Passed · Official source
Yes 237 · No 178 · Abstain — · Absent/not voting 14
- Rep. Ferguson, A. Drew, IV [R-GA-3]Aye
- Rep. McEachin, A. Donald [D-VA-4]No
- Rep. Hastings, Alcee L. [D-FL-20]No
- Rep. Kinzinger, Adam [R-IL-16]Aye
Showing the first 4 recorded positions. Vote totals above are complete.
16 March 2017 · failed · On Motion to Recommit with Instructions · Failed · Official source
Yes 189 · No 229 · Abstain — · Absent/not voting 11
- Rep. Ferguson, A. Drew, IV [R-GA-3]No
- Rep. McEachin, A. Donald [D-VA-4]Aye
- Rep. Hastings, Alcee L. [D-FL-20]Aye
- Rep. Kinzinger, Adam [R-IL-16]No
Showing the first 4 recorded positions. Vote totals above are complete.
Versions
- Referred in Senate · 21 March 2017 · Download file
- Engrossed in House · 16 March 2017 · Download file
- Reported in House · 10 March 2017 · Download file
- Introduced in House · 28 February 2017 · Download file
Documents
10 official files
Referred in Senate (text)
This file cannot be previewed here. Use View or Download.
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Referred in Senate (text)
Referred in Senate · EN · 21 March 2017
Referred in Senate (PDF)
Referred in Senate · EN · 21 March 2017
ViewDownloadOpen at official source
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Engrossed in House (text)
Engrossed in House · EN · 16 March 2017
ViewDownloadOpen at official source
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Engrossed in House (PDF)
Engrossed in House · EN · 16 March 2017
ViewDownloadOpen at official source
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Passed House amended
summary · EN · 16 March 2017
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Reported in House (text)
Reported in House · EN · 10 March 2017
ViewDownloadOpen at official source
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Reported in House (PDF)
Reported in House · EN · 10 March 2017
ViewDownloadOpen at official source
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Introduced in House (text)
Introduced in House · EN · 28 February 2017
ViewDownloadOpen at official source
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Introduced in House (PDF)
Introduced in House · EN · 28 February 2017
ViewDownloadOpen at official source
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Introduced in House
summary · EN · 28 February 2017
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Sponsors
- Rep. Roe, David P. [R-TN-1] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Coffman, Mike [R-CO-6] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Wenstrup, Brad R. [R-OH-2] · R · Sponsor
- Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Poliquin, Bruce [R-ME-2] · R · Sponsor
- Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN] · R · Sponsor
- Rescom. González-Colón, Jenniffer [R-PR-At Large] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. DeSantis, Ron [R-FL-6] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Royce, Edward R. [R-CA-39] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Pittenger, Robert [R-NC-9] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Davidson, Warren [R-OH-8] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Walorski, Jackie [R-IN-2] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Rokita, Todd [R-IN-4] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Byrne, Bradley [R-AL-1] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Harper, Gregg [R-MS-3] · R · Cosponsor
- James Renacci · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-17] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Cole, Tom [R-OK-4] · R · Cosponsor
- Sen. Sinema, Kyrsten [I-AZ] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Tipton, Scott R. [R-CO-3] · R · Cosponsor
- Rep. Johnson, Sam [R-TX-3] · R · Cosponsor
- · ssva00 · Standing
- · hsgo00 · Standing
- · hsvr00 · Standing
Related records
- related to → Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability First Act of 2017
- related to ← Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1259) to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the removal or demotion of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on performance or misconduct, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1367) to improve the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to hire and retain physicians and other employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1181) to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the conditions under which certain persons may be treated as adjudicated mentally incompetent for certain purposes.
- related to ← Department of Veterans Affairs Bonus Transparency Act
- related to ← Department of Veterans Affairs Bonus Transparency Act
- amends ← An amendment numbered 1 printed in Part A of House Report 115-39 to insert "to or" after the word "paid" on page 20, line 15.
- amends ← Amendment sought to grant the VA Secretary improved authorities to hold VA senior executives and employees accountable, protect employees' constitutionally guaranteed due process rights, and protect employees' collective bargaining rights under federal law.
- amends ← An amendment numbered 4 printed in Part A of House Report 115-39 to include as prohibited personnel practices as described in the whistleblower protection subsection of section 3 with those defined in 38 USC 733(c).
- amends ← An amendment numbered 6 printed in Part A of House Report 115-39 to require the Veterans Administration to provide a semi-annual report to the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs outlining all instances of Senior Executives who are detailed to a new position within the agency. The report will contain details on the purpose of the reassignment as well as the costs associated with the reassignment.
- amends ← An amendment numbered 7 printed in Part A of House Report 115-39 to require that bonuses awarded to senior-level executives within the Department of Veterans Affairs be reported to Congress on an annual basis.
Showing 9 of 11 related records.
Sources
PoliticalRepo is an index and interpretation layer, not the authoritative legal source.
- Official source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1259
- Open data entity: https://api.congress.gov/v3/bill/115/hr/1259
- us · 115-hr-1259 · source updated 21 January 2026