Wichita Standard

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas and Representative Mike Bost of Illinois have urged the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough to focus on accountability in the VA's executive appraisal cycle. This call follows issues related to budget mismanagement and improper incentive payments within the department.

Earlier this year, the VA reported a nearly $15 billion shortfall in its health and benefits accounts, prompting Congress to pass emergency supplemental funding to ensure timely delivery of benefits to veterans and their families. However, by November, the VA stated that it did not require the additional funds as initially thought, resulting in a surplus.

Additionally, an investigation by the VA's Office of Inspector General revealed that senior executives at the VA Central Office had improperly awarded themselves $10.8 million intended for high-demand field positions.

Senator Moran and Representative Bost emphasized in a letter: "VA has a sacred duty to care for veterans and a responsibility to faithfully use the resources entrusted to the Department by Congress." They highlighted that accountability is essential to prevent similar issues from recurring.

The letter also addressed specific concerns regarding VA's budgeting practices: "Either VA could not account for its budgetary needs or worse yet, engaged in budgetary gamesmanship."

The legislators have requested that any role played by senior executives in these financial missteps be documented during their performance appraisals. The performance-related compensation should reflect any shortcomings associated with these leaders' actions.