May 19, 2022For Immediate Release
BETO VOTED AGAINST OUR NATION’S VETERANS
“With Beto O’Rourke visiting VFW posts this weekend, it’s worth remembering he voted against increased funding for veterans and was unwilling to fire employees of the VA for severe misconduct.” – Mark Miner, Communications Director
In 2015 O’Rourke Voted Against H.R. 1994, The “VA Accountability Act Of 2015.” (H.R. 1994, On Passage, U.S. House Of Representatives, 7/29/15, 256-170-7, O’Rourke Voted Nay)
- The VA Accountability Act Would Give The VA “Authority To Fire Any VA Workers For Performance Problems Or Misconduct” And Would Limit The Ability To Fire Whistle-Blowers. “Miller has introduced new legislation to simplify the process of firing an agency employee. The bill, called the VA Accountability Act, would give the agency secretary authority to fire any VA workers for performance problems or misconduct. … The legislation would also limit the agency’s ability to terminate ‘whistle-blower’ employees, workers who have raised concerns about problems inside the VA.” (Scott MacFarlane, “Some Veterans Affairs Workers Keep Jobs Despite Severe Misconduct, Including Sleeping or Having Sex On The Job,” WRC-TV, 12/4/15)
- WRC-TV Headline: “Some Veterans Affairs Workers Keep Jobs Despite Severe Misconduct, Including Sleeping or Having Sex On The Job” (WRC-TV, 12/4/15)
- This Legislation Was Supported By Veterans Groups Like The Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans of America, The American Legion, The Veterans Of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans Of America And The Vietnam Veterans Of America. “Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) today urges members of the House to support increased VA staff accountability by passing the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller’s (R-Fla.) bipartisan VA Accountability Act of 2015 (H.R. 1994). The bill, expected to be considered by the full House today, would streamline the process for removing or demoting VA employees for poor performance or misconduct and enhance whistleblower protections. … IAVA is proud to join our veteran service organization (VSO) partners, The American Legion, The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Student Veterans of America (SVA), Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), The Reserve Officers Association (ROA) and American Veterans (AMVETS) in supporting increased VA staff accountability.” (Press Release, “IAVA Calls For House Passage Of VA Accountability Act,” Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Of America, 7/29/15)
In 2013 O’Rourke Voted Against H.J.R. 72. (H.J.R. 72, On Passage, U.S. House Of Representatives, 10/3/13, 259-157-15, O’Rourke Voted Nay)
- H.J.R. 72 Made Appropriations For Veterans Benefits, Specifically For Entitlements. “Veterans Benefits Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 – Makes appropriations for FY2014 for veterans’ benefits, specifically for entitlements and other mandatory payments whose budget authority was provided in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013 (division E of P.L. 113-6), to continue activities at the rate to maintain program levels under current law, under the authority and conditions provided in the applicable appropriations Act for FY2013, to be continued through December 15, 2013. Allows obligations for mandatory payments due on or about the first day of any month that begins after October 2013 but not later than 30 days after December 15, 2013, to continue to be made and makes funds available for such payments.” (H.J.R. 72, U.S. House Of Representatives, Filed 10/1/13)
In 2013 O’Rourke Voted Against The Amodei Amendment To H.R. 2216. (H.Amdt.82 to H.R.2216, On Agreement To Amendment, U.S. House Of Representatives, 6/4/13, 248-172-13, O’Rourke Voted Nay)
- Amodei Amendment Description: “An Amendment To Require That $44 Million Be Designated To Increase Staff At The Veterans Affairs Regional Offices.” (H.Amdt.82 to H.R.2216, U.S. House Of Representatives, Amendment Offered 6/4/13)