At VA, Whistleblowers Are 10 Times More Likely To Receive Disciplinary Action Than Their Colleagues
A new report reveals several troubling aspects of how Veterans Affairs -- an agency that's been plagued with controversy in recent years -- handles whistleblowers. Meanwhile, a judge is asked to weigh in on a policy that could affect HIV-positive soldiers; and the Senate is set to vote on the nominee for VA secretary next week.
WBUR:
VA Whistleblowers 10 Times More Likely Than Peers To Receive Disciplinary Action
The U.S. Government Accountability Office's report says VA whistleblowers are far more likely than their colleagues to face discipline or removal after reporting misconduct. It also found that senior VA managers are sometimes not held accountable for substantiated misconduct and that managers accused of wrongdoing sometimes investigate themselves. (Westervelt, 7/19)
Bloomberg:
U.S. Soldiers With HIV Say Trump’s New Policy Will Force Them Out
A U.S. soldier asked a federal judge to bar the Trump administration from firing HIV-positive service members from the military under a new “Deploy or Get Out!” policy intended to improve readiness. The policy, announced in February, directs the Pentagon to discharge service members who can’t be deployed outside of the U.S. for more than 12 consecutive months “for any reason.” It takes effect Oct. 1. (Larson, 7/19)
The Hill:
Senate To Vote Monday On Trump's VA Nominee
Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), the chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, said earlier Thursday that the Senate should vote to confirm Wilkie “without delay.” "It is of utmost importance that any policy changes that impact the future of the department be made by a confirmed VA secretary who can be held accountable by Congress and the American people," Isakson said. (Carney, 7/19)
