VA Care and Benefits Accountability Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6015

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-11-20: Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

Last Updated

2026-05-21T08:08:22Z

AI-Generated Summary

Legislation Summary: H.R. 6015 - VA Care and Benefits Accountability Act

Purpose

This bill aims to protect collective bargaining rights for employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by affirming an existing labor agreement and invalidating specific Executive orders that could undermine those rights. It seeks to ensure stability in labor relations within the VA, prioritizing employee protections in the delivery of veterans' care and benefits.

Key Provisions

• Short Title (Section 1): The legislation is officially named the "VA Care and Benefits Accountability Act."
• Affirmation of Collective Bargaining Agreement (Section 2): Any collective bargaining agreement (a negotiated contract between the VA and employee unions representing federal workers) that was active on March 26, 2025, remains fully enforceable until its original expiration date. This applies to agreements between the VA and recognized labor organizations.
• Nullification of Executive Orders (Section 3): Two specific Executive orders—Executive Order 14251 (issued in 2025, which excludes certain federal employees from labor-management programs) and Executive Order 14343 (a follow-up exclusion order)—are rendered void specifically for the VA. Additionally, no federal funds can be used to implement these orders in relation to VA operations.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill directly overrides the effects of the two Executive orders for the VA, which otherwise might have limited or excluded VA employees from participating in federal labor-management relations programs (such as union negotiations and protections).
• It reinforces the authority of existing collective bargaining agreements under federal labor laws, like the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute, by preventing executive actions from interfering with them at the VA.
• No broader changes to federal labor law are made; the nullification is targeted solely at the VA.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The VA will maintain uninterrupted labor relations under existing agreements, potentially stabilizing workforce operations and reducing disruptions in providing veterans' healthcare and benefits. Other federal agencies remain unaffected by the nullification.
• On Citizens: Veterans and their families may benefit indirectly through more consistent VA services, as protected employee rights could improve staff retention and morale. No direct impact on individual citizens outside the VA context.
• On International Relations: None apparent; this is a domestic labor policy matter with no foreign policy elements.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• VA Employees and Labor Unions: Primary beneficiaries, as their bargaining rights and agreements are safeguarded against executive interference.
• Department of Veterans Affairs Management: Must adhere to existing agreements without the flexibility potentially offered by the nullified orders, which could affect administrative decisions on labor exclusions.
• Veterans and Beneficiaries: Indirectly affected through potential enhancements in VA service delivery due to stable employee relations.
• Congress and the Executive Branch: Highlights tensions between legislative and executive powers over federal workforce management.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: By nullifying Executive orders, the bill asserts Congress's authority to limit executive actions under the separation of powers doctrine. It could set a precedent for Congress intervening in federal labor disputes, potentially leading to legal challenges if the orders are defended as within presidential discretion over agency management.
• Constitutional Implications: Reinforces congressional oversight of federal agencies (via the Appropriations Clause, which controls federal spending) by prohibiting funds for the orders, while respecting the First Amendment's protection of collective bargaining as a form of association.
• Political Implications: Introduced with bipartisan support (including both Democrats and Republicans as cosponsors), it reflects cross-party interest in VA employee protections amid concerns over executive overreach. If enacted, it could influence future debates on federal union rights and veterans' policy priorities.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3]

Cosponsors (42)

Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-39], Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria [D-NY-14], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Casar, Greg [D-TX-35], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Morrison, Kelly [D-MN-3], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24]

Recent Actions

• 2025-11-20: Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
• 2025-11-10: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-11-10: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-11-10: Introduced in House
• 2025-11-10: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• VA Care and Benefits Accountability Act — issued 2025-11-10 — PDF (2 pages)

Related Bills

• S. 3174 (119th Congress)