Mike Bost U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 12th district | Official U.S. House Headshot
Mike Bost U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 12th district | Official U.S. House Headshot
Today, Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, addressed concerns about accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) during a hearing. This meeting marks the subcommittee's first oversight session aimed at examining what Kiggans described as "the Biden-Harris administration’s legacy of failure to hold bad Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees accountable."
Kiggans emphasized her commitment to bipartisan efforts to ensure the VA fulfills its mission to provide top-tier care for veterans. She congratulated Doug Collins on his confirmation as VA Secretary and expressed eagerness to collaborate with him.
"Last Congress, we uncovered countless instances where VA failed to hold bad employees accountable and ultimately let down veterans," she stated. The congresswoman criticized practices that protect ineffective employees at the expense of veterans and taxpayers.
Kiggans acknowledged whistleblowers who exposed misconduct within the VA, highlighting their role in facilitating congressional oversight. She cited specific cases, including a veteran in Buffalo who faced delayed cancer treatment due to administrative failures and ongoing issues at Hampton VA Medical Center.
She also noted troubling incidents where VA leaders were promoted despite allegations of misconduct against them. In response, Chairman Bost and Republican committee members have reintroduced the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. According to Kiggans, this legislation aims "to ensure that the best federal employees are serving veterans."
The congresswoman stressed that effective leadership is crucial for maintaining patient safety and fostering a positive work environment at VA facilities. "If the leaders are not holding themselves to a high standard, then they do not need be in leadership," she asserted.
Kiggans concluded by reiterating her intent to address past shortcomings with support from the Trump administration: "By restoring accountability at VA, we will ensure that VA puts veterans first."
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