Bill > HR2722

This bill aims to protect funding and workforce stability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) during a specific period from January 20, 2025, to January 20, 2029. The bill prevents the impoundment, transfer, or reprogramming of VA discretionary appropriations without specific statutory authorization and requires the VA Secretary to notify congressional committees if a funding shortfall is imminent. It exempts the VA from any presidential, secretarial, or Office of Personnel Management hiring freezes during this time period. The bill mandates the reinstatement of veterans who were career employees and removed from the Department during this timeframe, ensuring they are returned to their previous positions or equivalent roles and protected from future reductions in force. Additionally, the bill places strict limitations on layoffs, requiring the VA Secretary to provide written notice to congressional committees at least 15 days before removing any officer or employee, and it provides special protections for probationary employees by preventing their removal without explicit legislative permission. The VA Secretary must also submit reports detailing any probationary employee removals and certify compliance with the bill's requirements to congressional committees within 30 days of enactment and annually thereafter.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2722/all-info