Bill Summary
The "VA Bonus and Relocation Recovery Act" is a piece of legislation that amends Title 38 of the United States Code, empowering the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to recover certain payments made to former employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Specifically, the Act allows the Secretary to recoup awards, bonuses, and relocation expenses under defined conditions.
Key provisions include:
1. **Recoupment Authority**: The Secretary can recover funds from former employees if they fail to repay awarded amounts within 180 days of a final decision regarding the repayment order.
2. **Debt Collection**: The recovery process for these amounts is treated like any other federal debt, enhancing the Department's ability to reclaim funds.
3. **Non-Waiver Clause**: The Act explicitly states that the Secretary cannot waive the recovery of these funds under certain existing provisions.
Overall, the legislation aims to ensure accountability and financial responsibility among former employees regarding the financial benefits they received from the Department.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "VA Bonus and Relocation Recovery Act" could affect people:
1. **Former Employees Facing Debt Recovery**: Former employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who received awards, bonuses, or relocation expenses may find themselves liable for repayment if the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines that these payments were made under inappropriate circumstances. If they fail to repay the amount within 180 days after a final decision is made, the Secretary can pursue recovery of the funds through standard debt collection methods. This could lead to financial strain for individuals who may not have anticipated the obligation to repay these amounts.
2. **Impact on Hiring and Employment Decisions**: The possibility of having to repay bonuses and relocation expenses might deter potential employees from accepting positions within the VA. If prospective employees are aware that they could face financial penalties in the future if they leave the job or if there are disputes regarding the bonuses, they may be less inclined to join the agency, impacting the VA's ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel.
3. **Increased Scrutiny and Accountability**: This legislation could lead to increased scrutiny of the award and bonus distribution processes within the VA, encouraging more accountability among current employees and management. Employees may feel more pressure to ensure that any awards or bonuses are justified and in compliance with regulations to avoid future financial liabilities. This could foster a culture of caution and adherence to guidelines but may also create a climate of fear among employees regarding their job performance and the potential for future financial repercussions.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7319 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7319
To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to recoup amounts of awards, bonuses, and relocation
expenses paid to former employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs
under certain conditions.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 2, 2026
Mr. Self (for himself and Mr. Ciscomani) introduced the following bill;
which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to recoup amounts of awards, bonuses, and relocation
expenses paid to former employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs
under certain conditions.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``VA Bonus and Relocation Recovery
Act''.
SEC. 2. AUTHORITY TO RECOUP AWARDS, BONUSES, AND RELOCATION EXPENSES
PAID TO FORMER DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EMPLOYEES
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
(a) Awards and Bonuses.--Section 721 of title 38, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``, or a former
employee of the Department,'' after ``an employee of the
Department''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Authority To Collect From Former Employees.--(1) If the
Director upholds an order of the Secretary under subsection (a) with
respect to an individual who is a former employee of the Department,
and such individual does not repay the amount of the award or bonus
subject to the order within 180 days after the date of the final
decision of the Director under subsection (b) with respect to the
order, the Secretary may recover such amount from the former employee
in the same manner as any other debt due to the United States.
``(2) Nothing in this subsection may be construed to permit the
Secretary to waive the recovery of such amount under section 5302 of
this title.''.
(b) Relocation Expenses.--Section 723 of such title is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``, or a former
employee of the Department,'' after ``an employee of the
Department''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Authority To Collect From Former Employees.--(1) If the
Director upholds an order of the Secretary under subsection (a) with
respect to an individual who is a former employee of the Department,
and such individual does not repay the amount of the award or bonus
subject to the order within 180 days after the date of the final
decision of the Director under subsection (b) with respect to the
order, the Secretary may recover such amount from the former employee
in the same manner as any other debt due to the United States.
``(2) Nothing in this subsection may be construed to permit the
Secretary to waive the recovery of such amount under section 5302 of
this title.''.
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