Federal Government Policy and Business

VA Secretary Asks Congress to Couple Hiring and Pay Reform With Private Care Expansion

Government Executive: The Veterans Affairs Department is asking Congress for expedited hiring authority and bonuses to help recruit and retain employees in conjunction with its push for expanding veterans’ access to private sector health care.

VA Secretary David Shulkin made the request at congressional hearing on Tuesday to examine both the administration’s and the House Veterans' Affairs Committee’s proposals to consolidate “care in the community” programs and eliminate some restrictions on which veterans can receive private care on the department’s dime. Lawmakers were receptive to Shulkin’s ask, vowing to work with the administration to address the ongoing vacancy crisis.

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