S.Amdt. 2997

SA 2997, submitted by Mr. Blumenthal, aims to add a section to H.R. 3944 focused on the oversight of Department of Veterans Affairs staffing.

The amendment adds the following requirements:

• Report on Staffing Actions: Within 60 days of the Act's enactment, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must report on any reduction in force, voluntary early retirement, deferred resignation programs or offers, or similar actions taken since January 1, 2025. This report must include:

  • The number of employees who accepted offers and the details of those offers, broken down by State, veteran status, disabled veteran status, office, General Schedule or Wage Grade level, and if the position was backfilled.
  • Individual titles and lengths of service for Senior Executive Service employees who accepted these offers.
  • The administration and payout costs for each action or program.

• Staffing Updates: Within 90 days of the Act's enactment, and every quarter after, the Secretary must provide updates on current staff levels and staffing goals for the Veterans Health Administration. These updates must be broken down by Veterans Integrated Services Network and include the number of contracted positions and positions filled or removed for:

  • Physicians
  • Dentists
  • Registered nurses
  • Licensed practical nurses
  • Nurse assistants
  • Non-physician providers
  • Medical support assistants
  • HUD-VASH case managers