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Federal policy on veterans, 2017-2018

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This page tracked major events and policy positions of the Trump administration and the 115th United States Congress on veterans from 2017 and 2018.

President Donald Trump said that improving the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and supporting veterans would be a priority of his administration. After taking office, he signed an executive order aimed at improving accountability at the VA and a second order to provide veterans with access to mental healthcare and suicide prevention resources. He signed into law bills to improve veterans' access to healthcare and to protect whistleblowers at the VA. Trump also signed the VA mission Act, which created the Veterans Community Care Program to consolidate various VA community care programs that allow veterans to receive private healthcare services. It also included funding to hire more VA healthcare workers, expanded caregiver benefits, and established an independent commission to improve the VA’s existing facilities, among other things. Read more about these orders and laws below.

Click on the timeline below to learn more about each headline.

July 23, 2018: Senate confirms Wilkie as VA secretary

On July 23, 2018, the United States Senate voted 86 to 9 to confirm Robert Wilkie as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Wilkie previously served as Assistant Secretary of Defense in the George W. Bush (R) administration. Within the Trump administration, he previously served as Under Secretary of Defense for personnel and readiness. In a statement, President Donald Trump (R) said, "Under [Wilkie's] leadership, I have no doubt that the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue to make strides in honoring and protecting the heroic men and women who have served our nation with distinction." Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, said, "I am confident that Robert Wilkie is the right leader because he has the expertise, the judgement and the character to take on the challenges that lie ahead and will bring stability and leadership to the VA." Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), who sat on the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, said, "By confirming Mr. Wilkie, we do right by the millions of veterans who look to the VA for health care and benefits they earned in service to our nation. But our job doesn't stop today. The Senate must always hold Mr. Wilkie accountable to the millions of American veterans he serves." Wilkie was sworn in and formally assumed office on July 30, 2018.[1][2][3][4][5]

June 6, 2018: Trump signs VA Mission Act

On June 6, 2018, President Donald Trump signed S 2373—the VA Mission Act. The $52 billion law created the Veterans Community Care Program to consolidate various VA community care programs that allow veterans to receive private healthcare services. It included funding to hire more VA healthcare workers. It expanded caregiver benefits, and it established an independent commission to improve the VA’s existing facilities, among other things. The law also replaced the Choice Act, a bill passed after at least 40 veterans died while waiting for care in April 2014.[6][7]

During a bill signing ceremony in the Rose Garden, Trump said to veterans, “You fulfilled your duty to our nation with tremendous loyalty and courage. And with the signing of this veterans choice legislation, we take one more crucial step in fulfilling our duty to you.”[8]

The bill passed Congress with bipartisan support. By a vote of 92-5, the Senate voted to approve the bill on May 23, 2018. Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) cast the only votes against the legislation. The bill passed the House by a vote of 347-70 on May 16, 2018.[9][10]

Speaking about the bill, Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), the bill’s sponsor, said, "[This is] the last piece of a great mosaic to reform the veterans benefits for our veterans to make them contemporary with the 21st century and see to it that the best care, the best attention and the best legislation is in place."[11]

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who voted against the bill, said that he was concerned it would continue a "slow, steady privitization [sic] of the VA" and "will open the door to the draining, year after year, of much-needed resources from the VA. I acknowledge the work done by some of my colleagues to improve this bill, but I believe it moves us too far in the direction of privatization. That is why I will vote against it.”[11]

March 28, 2018: Shulkin removed as VA secretary

Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin was removed from his position by President Donald Trump on March 28, 2018. Trump wrote in a tweet, "I am pleased to announce that I intend to nominate highly respected Admiral Ronny L. Jackson, MD, as the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs. In the interim, Hon. Robert Wilkie of DOD will serve as Acting Secretary. I am thankful for Dr. David Shulkin’s service to our country and to our GREAT VETERANS!"[12][13]

His removal came amid allegations that he misused taxpayer dollars. According to a February 14, 2018, report from the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Vivieca Wright Simpson, Shulkin's chief of staff, altered an email to make it appear that Shulkin was going to receive an award from the Danish government so that his wife could travel to Europe with him using taxpayer dollars. The VA paid $4,312 in airfare for Shulkin's wife. The investigation also found that Shulkin improperly accepted tickets to a Wimbledon tennis match and used a VA aide to coordinate his social activities while on the 10-day trip.[14]

Shulkin called the report “entirely inaccurate” and said it “reeks of an agenda. It is outrageous that you would portray my wife and me as attempting to take advantage of the government."[14]

During an interview with USA Today, Shulkin said that “there was never anything intentional. We act with the highest ethical character. ... I believe that I relied upon the processes that are there, you know, what every Cabinet secretary has to rely upon their staff to do this work. And in retrospect I wish that I had asked more questions.” Shulkin also said that he reimbursed the government for the cost of his wife’s airfare and would reimburse the person who gave him the Wimbledon tickets.[15]

January 9, 2018: Trump signs an Executive Order on Supporting Our Veterans During Their Transition From Uniformed Service to Civilian Life

On January 9, 2018, President Donald Trump signed the Presidential Executive Order on Supporting Our Veterans During Their Transition From Uniformed Service to Civilian Life. The goal of the order was to help veterans get access to mental healthcare and suicide prevention resources, specifically during the year following the transition from active duty to civilian life.[16]

The order directed the secretaries of defense, veterans affairs, and homeland security to submit "a Joint Action Plan that describes concrete actions to provide, to the extent consistent with law, seamless access to mental health treatment and suicide prevention resources for transitioning uniformed service members in the year following discharge, separation, or retirement" within 60 days.[16]

Before signing the order, Trump said, "The joint action plan will describe concrete actions we must take to ensure every single veteran who needs mental health and suicide prevention services will receive them immediately upon their separation from military service. They get out of the military, and they had nobody to talk to, nobody to speak to. And it’s been a very sad situation, but we’re taking care of them. We will not rest until all of America’s great veterans receive the care they’ve earned through their incredible service and sacrifice to our country."[17]

Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin also commented on the order, saying, "Mr. President, as you know, at the Department of Veterans Affairs, preventing veteran suicide is our top priority, and something you talked about in the campaign and you and I have talked about many times since. Twenty veterans a day are taking their life through a suicide — something that’s just totally unacceptable. So under your leadership, with this executive order, we’re taking an unprecedented action today in that we will be covering all separating military members who are transitioning into civilian life — 100 percent of them — with the mental health benefit for 12 months. And here are the important reasons. What you may not know is, is that that 12-month period after you leave service is the highest risk for suicide. Almost one and a half to two times highest risk in that first twelve months when you leave the service. And currently, up until your executive order, only 40 percent of those servicemembers had coverage in the VA to get mental health. Now 100 percent will have that coverage, and it’s the full array of services that the Department of Defense and the Department of Veteran Affairs will be able to provide in terms of mental health coverage. ... So starting March 9th, this is a reality for our country’s veterans that they will have this mental health coverage."[17]

June 23, 2017: Trump signs VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act

On June 23, 2017, President Donald Trump signed the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. The law outlined a process for administrative judges to expedite appeals of disciplinary actions against VA employees exhibiting poor performance or misconduct. Department executives were no longer allowed to appeal disciplinary actions against them. Other employees were given a 10-day window to appeal disciplinary actions to an administrative judge and were no longer allowed to stay on payroll during the appeal process. Administrative judges were required by the act to issue a final decision within 180 days of the appeal, after which the decision may then be appealed to the Merit Systems Protection Board and then to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. For employees that had been disciplined, the secretary was also allowed to take other actions against them, such as rescinding bonuses or reducing pensions.[18]

The law established a new office within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for handling reports from whistleblowers and training employees and supervisors on their rights to report misconduct, including explanations of the methods for filing reports of misconduct. The office also advises the secretary on issues of accountability and retaliation. The law prohibited the secretary from retaliating against whistleblowers. Supervisor protection of whistleblowers was made a criteria in the evaluation of supervisor performance.[18]

April 27, 2017: Trump issues Executive Order on Improving Accountability and Whistleblower Protection at the Department of Veterans Affairs

On April 27, 2017, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to improve accountability at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The order directed Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin to create an Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection within the VA. It also included protections for whistleblowers who report wrongdoing and instances of substandard care at the VA.[19]

During the signing ceremony, Trump said, "Today, we’re taking another bold step forward. I’m signing an executive order to create an Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection at the Department of Veterans Affairs. This executive order makes it clear that we will never, ever tolerate substandard care for our great veterans. With the creation of this office, we are sending a strong message: Those who fail our veterans will be held, for the first time, accountable. At the same time, we will reward and retain the many VA employees who do a fantastic job -- of which we have many. And I will tell you, some of the doctors in the VA, I've heard it from so many people, they’re the finest in the world."[20]

Below is the full text of the executive order issued by Trump on April 27, 2017:[19]

Improving Accountability and Whistleblower Protection at the Department of Veterans Affairs

“

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Purpose. This order is intended to improve accountability and whistleblower protection at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by directing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) to establish within the VA an Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection and to appoint a Special Assistant to serve as Executive Director of the Office.

Sec. 2. Establishing a VA Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection. (a) Within 45 days of the date of this order, and to the extent permitted by law, the Secretary shall establish in the VA the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection (Office), and shall appoint a Special Assistant, reporting directly to the Secretary, to serve as Executive Director of the Office. The VA shall provide funding and administrative support for the Office, consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(b) To the extent permitted by law, the Office shall:

(i) advise and assist the Secretary in using, as appropriate, all available authorities to discipline or terminate any VA manager or employee who has violated the public's trust and failed to carry out his or her duties on behalf of veterans, and to recruit, reward, and retain high-performing employees;

(ii) identify statutory barriers to the Secretary's authority to discipline or terminate any employee who has jeopardized the health, safety, or well-being of a veteran, and to recruit, reward, and retain high‑performing employees; and report such barriers to the Secretary for consideration as to the need for legislative changes;

(iii) work closely with relevant VA components to ensure swift and effective resolution of veterans' complaints of wrongdoing at the VA; and

(iv) work closely with relevant VA components to ensure adequate investigation and correction of wrongdoing throughout the VA, and to protect employees who lawfully disclose wrongdoing from retaliation.

(c) In establishing the Office, the Secretary shall consider, in addition to any other relevant factors:

(i) whether some or all of the functions of the Office are currently performed by an existing VA office, component, or program;

(ii) whether certain administrative capabilities necessary for operating the Office are redundant with those of another VA office, component, or program; and

(iii) whether combining the Office with another VA office, component, or program may improve the VA's efficiency, effectiveness, or accountability.

Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

DONALD J. TRUMP[21]

”

The First 100 Days

In the first 100 days of the Trump administration, policy on veterans was changed through the following legislative and executive actions:

  • On April 27, 2017, Trump signed an executive order to improve accountability at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The order directed Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin to create an Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection within the VA. It also included protections for whistleblowers who report wrongdoing and instances of substandard care at the VA.
  • On April 19, 2017, Trump signed S 544—the Veterans Choice Program Extension and Improvement Act. The bill extended a program allowing veterans to see non-VA doctors if they faced long wait times at a VA facility or lived 40 or more miles from the nearest VA facility. The bill also changed a provision of the program to cover private co-pays and deductibles directly rather than through reimbursements to the patient.

April 19, 2017: Trump signs Veterans Choice Program Extension and Improvement Act

On April 19, 2017, Trump signed S 544—the Veterans Choice Program Extension and Improvement Act. The bill extended a program allowing veterans to see non-VA doctors if they faced long wait times at a VA facility or lived 40 or more miles from the nearest VA facility. The bill also changed a provision of the program to cover private co-pays and deductibles directly rather than through reimbursements to the patient.[22][23]

During the bill signing ceremony, Trump said, "This bill will extend and improve the Veterans Choice Program so that more veterans can see the doctor of their choice -- you got it? The doctor of their choice -- and don’t have to wait and travel long distances for VA care. Some people have to travel five hours, eight hours, and they'll have to do it on a weekly basis, and even worse than that. It's not going to happen anymore."[24]

See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Associated Press, "Senate confirms Robert Wilkie for Veterans Affairs secretary," July 23, 2018
  2. ↑ U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, "Isakson Applauds Senate Confirmation of Robert Wilkie as VA Secretary," July 23, 2018
  3. ↑ Twitter, "Senate Jon Tester: July 23, 2018: 4:44 PM," July 23, 2018
  4. ↑ The New York Times, "Senate Confirms Robert Wilkie as Veterans Affairs Secretary," July 23, 2018
  5. ↑ WFMZ-TV, "LIVE: Trump swears in Secretary of Veterans Affairs," July 30, 2018
  6. ↑ Congress.gov, "S.2372 - VA MISSION Act of 2018," accessed June 6, 2018
  7. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "President Donald J. Trump Provides Resources For Veterans To Get The Care They Deserve From The Doctors They Want," June 6, 2018
  8. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Remarks by President Trump at Signing of the VA Mission Act of 2018," June 6, 2018
  9. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 2372)," May 23, 2018
  10. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call Vote 189," May 16, 2018
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 The Hill, "Senate sends major VA reform bill to Trump's desk," May 23, 2018
  12. ↑ Twitter, "Donald J. Trump," March 28, 2018
  13. ↑ The Hill, "White House and Shulkin at odds over whether he resigned," April 1, 2018
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 The Washington Post, "Veterans Affairs chief Shulkin, staff misled ethics officials about European trip, report finds," February 14, 2018
  15. ↑ USA Today, "VA Secretary David Shulkin regrets travel errors, reimburses government for wife's airfare," February 14, 2018
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 WhiteHouse.gov, "Presidential Executive Order on Supporting Our Veterans During Their Transition From Uniformed Service to Civilian Life," January 9, 2018
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 WhiteHouse.gov, "Remarks by President Trump at Signing of Executive Order on Supporting our Veterans During their Transition from Uniformed Service to Civilian Life," January 9, 2018
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Congress.gov, "S.1094 - Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017," accessed June 28, 2017
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 WhiteHouse.gov, "Executive Order on Improving Accountability and Whistleblower Protection at the Department of Veterans Affairs," April 27, 2017
  20. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Remarks by President Trump at Signing of Executive Order on Improving Accountability and Whistleblower Protection," April 27, 2017
  21. ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  22. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "S. 544 - An Act to amend the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to modify the termination date for the Veterans Choice Program, and for other purposes." April 19, 2017
  23. ↑ Military.com, "Trump Signs Bill to Extend Veterans Choice Program," April 19, 2017
  24. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Remarks by President Trump at Signing of S. 544, The Veterans Choice Program Extension and Improvement Act," April 19, 2017
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