STEARNS CITES BACKLOG AND WAIT LISTS FOR PROHIBITING BONUSES TO THE HIGHEST PAID VA EMPLOYEES

WASHINGTON, MAY 31, 2012 – The House today adopted without opposition the amendment offered by Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL) prohibiting the payment of bonuses to Senior Executive Services employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  Explained Stearns, “Senior Executive Services employees receive salaries ranging from $120,000 to $180,000 a year.  I want to ensure the best care for our veterans, but the VA continues to have an unmanageable backlog, extremely long wait lists, and a poor record on oversight.  Given this troubling record, the VA should discontinue paying bonuses to its top executives.”

Stearns offered his amendment during consideration of H.R. 5854, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act.  Added Stearns, “The VA should focus its resources on caring for veterans and not on bonuses for its highest paid employees.”