▶ 0:26:38Good afternoon. Today we are considering eight bills, which I will be asking unanimous consent to consider in two on All of these bills were considered at a legislative hearing in this In accordance with committee rules, the subcommittee has contacted the Congressional Budget Office seeking informal preliminary cost estimates for each of the bills being considered I now recognize the distinguished member ranking ranking member for any opening remarks she may have. Thank you, Chairwoman.
▶ 0:27:08Good afternoon. I I want to thank you, Chair Kiggans, for organizing today's markup. In lieu of making opening remarks, I will comment on the individual bills as they are called up so that we can quickly proceed to considering the two on blocks of legislation on today's agenda. With that, I yield back. Thank you, Ranking Member Ramirez. I now ask unanimous consent to consider on block the amendments in the nature of a substitute for the following bills that were included in the notice for this markup. H.R.
▶ 0:27:347950 establishing the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs and H.R. 7683, the VA Fiscal Management Modernization Act. Hearing no objection, so ordered. The clerk shall report the bills. H.R. 7950 to amend Title 38, United States Code, to establish the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs in the Department of Veteran Affairs and for other purposes.
▶ 0:27:58The bills were circulated in advance, so pursuant to committee pursuant to committee rules, I ask that the reading of the bills be dispensed with and the bills be open to amendment at any point. Without objection, so ordered. There's an amendment in the nature of a substitute for each of these bills as considered base text for purposes of Without objection, so ordered.
▶ 0:28:20I now recognize myself for a moment to speak in support of both the VA Fiscal Management Modernization Act and legislation to codify the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs. At their core, these bills address long-standing bipartisan concerns related to the VA's fiscal management, accounting practices, and transparency with Congress. These are not new issues and they are not partisan issues. They are oversight issues. We've all seen the consequences of VA's disjointed financial management structure.
▶ 0:28:47The recent alleged budget shortfall from the previous administration raised serious concerns about how the VA is tracking, projecting, and communicating its financial position. When Congress is presented with shifting numbers and unclear explanations, it becomes incredibly difficult to fulfill our constitutional responsibility to appropriate and oversee tax dollars. And that's just one example. Time and time again, members of this committee on both sides of the aisle have struggled to receive clear, timely, and complete answers from the VA.
▶ 0:29:15Whether it is budget data, program execution, or policy implementation, the lack of responsiveness and transparency undermines our ability to do our jobs That is why these reforms matter. The VA Fiscal Management Modernization Act would establish a clear line of accountability by consolidating financial authority under a single chief financial officer. That is a common sense step to improve coordination, strengthen oversight, and ensure that VA's financial practices are accurate, consistent, and transparent.
▶ 0:29:45Similarly, codifying the Office of congressional and legislative affairs sets a clear expectation for how the VA engages with Congress. Oversight should not depend on informal and shifting internal or political practices. It should be grounded in statute with defined roles, responsibilities, and accountability. These bills are about restoring trust. Trust between the VA and Congress, and ultimately trust with the veterans we Now, I understand members of the minority may have concerns or suggestions regarding these proposals.
▶ 0:30:13Let me be clear, we are willing to work through those in good faith. If there are ways to improve these bills, strengthen them, or address unintended consequences, we are open to that But, what we cannot do is merely acknowledge that these problems have persisted haven't persisted for years and then not be willing to legislate. I urge my colleagues to support these important reforms, and I yield back. Does any member wish to speak on any of the bills or the amendments in the nature of a substitute included in on in the on block? Yes. Thank you, Chair. Recognize Ranking Member Amaris.
▶ 0:30:45I I want to start by telling you that I appreciate my colleagues work on these Um but, for the record, it's important for me to note that I have serious concerns with the current drafts, and hope that we can continue to work on this language as it proceeds through Democrats on this committee, including myself, have been unsatisfied with information received from the current VA Chief Financial Officer, Richard The budget he and his office formulated for year 2027 make cuts to critical VA functions, things like research with little justification.
▶ 0:31:15Further, Miss Miss Topping is leading a nearly trillion-dollar acquisition for the Community Care Next Generation contract. Yet, could not answer basic questions for me and my colleagues about how VA would fix its past mistakes in management of the Community Care Voting for this bill would signal to the VA that we approve of Miss of Miss Mr. Topping, sorry. Mr. Topping's performance, and we do not.
▶ 0:31:39Before we go as far as to codify the CFO role at the VA, we need to have a fuller understanding of how the VA plans to consolidate power in that office. Recently, we found out that the VA is moving most IT and construction management functions over to the CFO. I have concerns about the shift of these programs and how it's going to actually, in fact, affect the operations.
▶ 0:32:01Additionally, it is unclear how this bill meshes with the acquisition reform and cost assessment of 2025, or ARCA, which is a priority for both chambers. I fear that if both HR 7683 and ARCA were to become law, they would create unnecessary conflicts in authority related to acquisitions at the VA. This would result in further slowing down VA's contracting process, which would hinder the agency from procuring the goods and services it needs to function best for our veterans.
▶ 0:32:30I will now turn to HR 7950. A bill that would codify the VA Office of Congressional and Legislative Well, look, I appreciate the intent behind this bill that would would ensure as members of Congress receive accurate and timely information from the VA, I do believe there are some aspects of the current as it's currently written that are unrealistic and may result in unintended You see, many of the penalties in this bill would make it harder, not easier,
▶ 0:33:01for Congress to fulfill its oversight responsibilities by potentially decimating the the OCLA workforce. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to work with us to make the changes necessary to both ANS to HR 7683 and HR 7950 heading into full committee markup. And with that, Chairwoman, I yield back. Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Representative Self for 5 minutes. Uh thank you, Madam Chair.
▶ 0:33:31Um I appreciate the opportunity to speak on behalf of my bill, HR 7950. This bill is about building a foundational and dependable relationship between Congress and VA. Right now, that relationship is too often stained by delays and gaps in information. We must do something. My bill takes a structured approach to the problem.
▶ 0:33:53It does not just ask for better It builds a system designed to produce By codifying the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs in statute, we are setting expectations that are transparent and enforceable. A clear structure, lines of responsibility will be established. If the department fails to meet its obligations, this bill provides There will be funding restrictions, potentially Inspector General review.
▶ 0:34:24Congress does not ask for information to burden the department. We ask for it to do our job, to legislate effectively, to allocate resources responsibly, and to hold the system accountable when it falls short. And that last part is very much needed.
▶ 0:34:41When Congress cannot get timely, clear answers, our ability to serve veterans If we are serious about improving outcomes for veterans, rather than just providing inputs all the time, the foundation to do that must be solid. This bill lays that foundation. VA must be responsive to Congress. Uh thank you, Madam Chair. I yield back.
▶ 0:35:08Does any member wish to offer an amendment to any of the amendments in the nature of a substitute? Hearing none, the question now occurs on agreeing to each of the amendments in the nature of a substitute included in the on block. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say no. No. In the opinion of the Chair, the eyes have it. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. I now recognize Representative Self for a motion.
▶ 0:35:33Uh Madam Chair, I move that the subcommittee favorably forward HR 7950 and 7683 as amended to the full committee. There's a motion to favorably forward the bills as amended included in the on block to the full committee. All those in favor say I. I. All opposed say no. In the opinion of the Chair, the eyes have it, and the bills HR 7950 as amended and HR 7683 as amended are favorably forwarded to the full committee. The motion to reconsider is laid upon the table.
▶ 0:36:04I now ask unanimous consent to consider on block the following bills that do not have amendments. HR 8052, the Veterans Infection Prevention Act. HR 6654, the VA MOSA Act of 2025. HR 80 8043, the Vets Clear Act. HR 7280, the Veteran Data Act. HR 8041, the Supporting VA Families Act. And HR 8010, the VA Police Recruitment and Retention Act of 2026. Hearing no objection, so ordered.
▶ 0:36:35The clerk shall report the bills. On block number two, HR 8052 to amend title 38, United States Code, to require that sterile processing technicians
▶ 0:36:45The The bills were circulated in advance pursuant to committee rules. So, I ask that the reading of the bills be dispensed with and bills be open to amendment at any point. Without objection, so ordered. I now would like to recognize myself to speak in support of the bills in the on block. I want to express my strong support for the Veteran Infection Prevention Act, the Vets Clear Act, and the Vamosa Act. Three bills that take targeted, common-sense steps to improve safety, accountability, and efficiency across the VA.
▶ 0:37:13First, the Veteran Infection Prevention Act addresses a basic but critical educational benchmark by ensuring that those responsible for sterilizing medical equipment are properly trained and certified. This bill requires sterile processing technicians within the Veterans Health Administration to obtain professional certification and provide scholarship opportunities to help current employees meet that requirement. This is about patient safety. Veterans should have absolute confidence that the equipment used in their care meets the highest standards.
▶ 0:37:41Requiring certification is a straightforward way to reduce preventable infections and ensure consis- consistency across the VA Second, the Vets Clear Act focuses on improving the way the VA recovers and manages funds related to medical care. This bill would give the VA greater flexibility and authority to recover and collect revenue, whether through administrative, legal, or audit processes, and allows those funds to be more efficiently deposited to the Medical Care Collections Fund.
▶ 0:38:10Finally, the VA MOSA, the Vamosa Act, addresses how the VA manages its software and technology assets. This bill would require the VA to establish a comprehensive, department-wide software asset management policy, including maintaining a full inventory of software, identifying waste and duplication, and ensuring cost-effective licensing We know that poor IT asset management can lead to over-procurement, underutilized licenses, and unnecessary spending.
▶ 0:38:38This bill would bring discipline to that process by requiring coordination, regular review, and Taken together, these bills are practical reforms that would improve safety, strengthen oversight, and ensure the VA is using its resources more effectively. I urge my colleagues to support these bills. Does any other member wish to speak on any of the bills included in the on block? I do. The Chair now recognizes the Ranking Member for 5 minutes. Thank you, Chairwoman Kiggans.
▶ 0:39:05I want to start uh just by saying how much I've appreciated our staffs um being able to work to come to a bipartisan agreement on the bills included in the on block. While I'm disappointed that my bill, HR the VA Employee Family Care Expansion Act, was not included in today's markup, I do look forward working with you, the Chairman Comer, and Ranking Member Garcia to move that legislation forward through our two committees of Making sure that the VA workers have the right they deserve is one of my top I was glad to see VA finally
▶ 0:39:36do the right thing and comply with the court order to reinstate collective bargaining agreements with AFGE, but it's also imperative that all collective bargaining agreements are restored at So, I'll continue to fight for union rights for federal workers around the Additionally, I I hope you can continue to further improve your bill HR 8052, the Veteran Infection Prevention Act. I know that our staffs have worked together to ensure that this bill does not create unnecessary burdens in hiring and retaining sterile processing technicians.
▶ 0:40:03I look forward to adopting those changes at a future full committee With that, Chairwoman, I yield back. The chair now recognize Representative Kennedy for 5 minutes. Thank you, Chairwoman Kiggans. I want to also thank Ranking Member Ramirez, members of the subcommittee for considering my bill HR 8010, the VA Police Recruitment and Retention Act of 2026, which would prohibit Secretary Collins from downgrading VA police officers to lower
▶ 0:40:34pay for doing the job they're already doing. This markup follows our legislative hearing on March 25th, where we heard firsthand from Sergeant Dennis Guerrero, a current VA police officer and a 20-year Air Force veteran, who told this that VA police are already stretched and that the VA's proposal to slash their pay is about to make that problem significantly worse.
▶ 0:40:59The VA's own Inspector General found that nearly 60% of VA facilities report police staffing shortages, making this one of the most severe staffing gaps across the department. On the ground, that means fewer officers to respond to emergencies, officers miles from clinics in situations where time is of the essence, and staff and patients left more vulnerable every day. These officers are responding to violent incidents, mental health crises, and threats against staff and patients.
▶ 0:41:27They're working overtime, being denied leave, and burning out. And the message they're receiving from the VA is not one of support, but rather a potential pay cut. In places like Buffalo, entry-level VA police salaries are about $15,000 less than the local law enforcement Officers told us directly at our hearing, if the VA moves forward with these downgrades, more officers will leave for better paying police departments, and the VA will not be able to replace them.
▶ 0:41:58At a time when the VA cannot fill the posts it already has, it should not be driving away the officers who are already in them. Secretary Collins' policies have consequences. Fewer officers, slower response times, understaffed facilities, and a serious safety risk for veterans and the healthcare workers they depend on. That's not a risk we should be willing to take, not for our veterans, and not for the people who care for them.
▶ 0:42:25My bill, the VA Police Recruitment and Retention Act of 2026, is a targeted, common sense fix that simply prevents VA from cutting pay for our brave law enforcement officers. I want to thank my colleagues again for their support on this important initiative, and with that, I urge all to support the bill, and I yield back. Does any member wish to offer an amendment to any of these bills? Hearing none, I now recognize Ranking Kennedy for motion. Thank you, Madam Chair.
▶ 0:42:57Sorry, we're breaking We'll recognize Ranking Member Ramirez if she's still
▶ 0:43:06Okay, we'll recognize Representative Kennedy for a motion. Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that the following bills on block, HR 8052, HR 6654, HR 8043, HR 8041, HR 7280, and HR 8010 be reported favorably to the full committee. There's a motion to favorably forward the bills included in the on block to the full committee.
▶ 0:43:36All those in favor say I. I. All opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it, and the bills HR 8052, HR 6654, HR 8043, HR 7280, HR 8041, and HR 8010 are favorably forwarded to the full committee. The motion to reconsider is laid upon the table.
▶ 0:43:58I ask unanimous consent that the committee staff be authorized to make technical, clerical, and conforming changes to the bills favorably forwarded Hearing no objection, so ordered. And then, Ranking Member Ramirez, do you have any closing remarks? Well, I want to thank you, Chairwoman Kiggans. I look forward to continuing our work on these pieces of legislation as we prepare for a full committee markup next week. With that, I yield Thank you. I thank the members for their attendance today, and the subcommittee is now adjourned.
▶ 0:44:28Sorry Sorry about that. Sorry about that.