VA Police Recruitment and Retention Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8010
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-15: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-05T08:07:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation aims to protect law enforcement positions within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by prohibiting reductions in grade or pay for these roles, with the goal of supporting recruitment and retention of VA police personnel.
Key Provisions
- Prohibition on downgrades: No official in the VA, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), or any other federal agency may propose, initiate, or carry out a "position downgrade" for any covered VA position. Federal funds cannot be used for such actions.
- Retroactive application: Any position downgrade for a covered VA position that occurred between October 1, 2025, and the date of enactment is nullified. Affected positions must be restored to their prior status, and employees must receive any pay they would have otherwise earned.
- Definitions:
- A "covered VA position" includes any role performing law enforcement functions in the VA, regardless of whether it is permanent, temporary, full-time, part-time, or intermittent, or how it is funded.
- A "position downgrade" refers to a consistency review, incumbent-only review, or similar classification action under Chapter 51 of Title 5, United States Code, that could lead to a loss of grade or pay.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces a targeted restriction on standard federal position classification processes (under 5 U.S.C. Chapter 51) specifically for VA law enforcement roles. It overrides routine reviews that might otherwise result in grade or pay reductions and applies this restriction retroactively, which is not typical in general classification rules.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Limits the VA and OPM from conducting certain classification actions on law enforcement positions, potentially requiring adjustments to internal reviews and staffing plans. Other agencies are also barred from initiating such actions.
- On citizens/employees: Protects current and future VA law enforcement staff from reductions in grade or pay, including retroactive restoration of status and compensation.
- On international relations: No direct effects are outlined in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- VA law enforcement personnel (including those in covered positions).
- VA management and leadership responsible for staffing.
- The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and other federal agencies involved in classification reviews.
- Congress, as the body enacting the restriction on executive branch actions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Creates an exception to standard civil service classification authority under Title 5, potentially affecting how OPM exercises its classification powers for specific VA roles. The retroactive nullification of prior actions could raise questions about the finality of administrative decisions.
- Constitutional: Reflects Congress's authority to direct the operations of executive agencies and control the use of federal funds, while limiting certain classification actions within the executive branch.
- Political: Focuses on protecting VA police positions, which may influence agency priorities related to law enforcement staffing and employee retention.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-15: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2026-04-15: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-03-25: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-03-24: Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
- 2026-03-19: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2026-03-19: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-19: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- VA Police Recruitment and Retention Act of 2026 — issued 2026-03-19 — PDF (3 pages)