Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1367, which was introduced by Congressman Brad Wenstrup, who serves as Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee. H.R. 1367, which streamlines and updates Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) hiring processes, passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 412 to 0.  

“The men and women who sacrifice so much to serve this country deserve the best care that our nation has to offer. That is why the House of Representatives acted decisively today to ensure our veterans are being treated by the highest quality medical professionals,” said Chairman Brad Wenstrup. “The passage of this bill is a critical step in fulfilling our commitment to providing our country’s heroes with the care they have earned and deserve. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to act swiftly to implement these key reforms to the VA hiring process.”

“I applaud Rep. Wenstrup for introducing this legislation so that high-quality professionals are encouraged to head to VA for their careers.” said Congressman Phil Roe, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

Currently, the VA’s inability to retain high-quality employees is hindering the quality of care veterans receive. A 2016 Best Places to Work survey ranked the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) second to last for large agencies overall, second to last in effective leadership and dead last in pay. The survey also found that the number of VA employees resigning or retiring has risen every year since 2009.

This bill establishes staffing, recruitment, and retention programs to enable VA to recruit and retain the strongest workforce possible. Additionally, it creates a recruiting database to make high-quality potential employees aware of positions at VA and create opportunities for career training and advancement for current VA employees through fellowship positions and a promotional track for technical experts.

Congressman Brad Wenstrup has served in the U.S. Army Reserve since 1998, currently holding the rank of Colonel. In 2005-06, he served a tour in Iraq as a combat surgeon, and was awarded a Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge for his service.  During his time in Congress, Brad is fulfilling his Reserve duties by treating patients at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda.

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