Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025

Increased Accountability for Leadership: The bill allows the Secretary to remove, demote, or suspend supervisors and managers if there is substantial evidence of misconduct or poor performance (Section 2(a)).

Streamlined Disciplinary Timelines: The Act establishes specific timeframes for disciplinary actions, such as a 15-business-day limit for notice, response, and final decisions (Section 2(c)).

Whistleblower Protections: The bill includes provisions where the Secretary cannot take certain disciplinary actions against individuals seeking corrective action from the Office of Special Counsel without specific approvals (Section 2(f)).

Standardized Decision Factors: For employees, the bill requires that decisions regarding removal or demotion consider specific factors like the seriousness of the offense and the individual's job level (Section 4(a)).

Removal of Traditional Protections: The procedures used under chapter 43 of title 5 will not apply to removals, demotions, or suspensions under this section (Section 2(b)).

Elimination of Performance Improvement Plans: The Secretary is granted the authority to carry out disciplinary actions without first placing an employee on a performance improvement plan (Section 2(b) and Section 4(a)).

Limited Rights to Appeal: For certain disciplinary actions, individuals are prohibited from appealing to the Merit Systems Protection Board or an administrative judge (Section 2(d) and Section 4(a)).

Restrictions on Judicial Review: In many instances, courts may not review a challenge to the penalty imposed or mitigate that penalty, unless there is a constitutional issue (Section 2(d) and Section 4(a)).

Pay Reductions for Demoted Staff: Individuals who are demoted will receive a reduced annual rate of pay and may not receive pay if they do not report for duty (Section 2(e)).