Washington, DC (September 14, 2016) - Congressman Pearce issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 5620, the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act:

"Our men and women in uniform risk everything, so that you and I may sleep soundly at night. The VA must live up to its mission and serve our armed forces dutifully with respect and accountability. Unfortunately, the VA has failed in this mission for years - mismanaging and manipulating our veterans' care. For the last two years, Congress has fought to correct the egregious problems brought to light in 2014, by reforming the VA. Actions such as removing individuals within the VA who underperform, are negligent, or guilty of misconduct. This bill is a continuation of that mission by allowing the Secretary flexibility to remove VA employees who are not serving our veterans, while also increasing accountability on VA senior executive service employees. Importantly, it also streamlines the VA's outdated disability benefits appeals process to ensure veterans retain their due process rights. Our veterans must get the care they have earned. I am proud to support legislation that holds the agency that should be taking care of our veterans accountable," said Congressman Pearce.