H.R. 7950: To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

This bill proposes the establishment of a new office within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), called the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs. The office will act as the main connection between the VA and Congress. Its main roles and responsibilities include:

Functions of the Office

• Coordinating communications and legislative engagement with Congress.
• Facilitating hearings, briefings, and providing technical assistance to congressional committees.
• Managing the preparation and submission of materials for congressional hearings, including testimony and written statements.
• Tracking requests for information from Congress and ensuring appropriate responses.
• Supporting the development and analysis of legislative proposals related to veteran affairs.
• Providing timely and accurate responses to congressional committees, specifically those focused on veterans' issues.

Leadership Structure

The office will be led by an Assistant Secretary who will be appointed by the President, with Senate approval. This individual will ensure the office operates effectively and independently. There will also be two Deputy Assistant Secretaries: one responsible for legislative strategy and another for congressional operations, each with defined roles to ensure clear division of responsibilities.

Staffing Requirements

At least 65% of the office's full-time employees must be career civil servants. Political appointees may handle policy and strategy functions but cannot replace core operational roles held by career employees.

Procedures for Information Requests

The Assistant Secretary must have procedures in place to respond to congressional requests efficiently. For instance:

• A written acknowledgment of requests must be sent within two business days.
• An estimated delivery timeline for requested materials should be provided within five business days.
• All requested materials should be produced no later than 45 days after the request.

If the request is complex, partial responses must be given within specific deadlines, ensuring transparency and accountability in the response process.

Noncompliance Protocols

If the VA Secretary fails to meet the response timelines set for congressional requests, there are several consequences, including:

• Notification to the requesting committee explaining the delay.
• Development of a corrective action plan with deadlines.
• A halt on spending for the office’s salaries and expenses until compliance is achieved.

The Inspector General will conduct a review of the circumstances leading to noncompliance and report findings to Congress.

Implementation Report

Within two years of the establishment of this office, the Comptroller General will provide an evaluation report to Congress assessing how well the office has been implemented and its effectiveness in its role.

Clerical Amendments

In addition, the bill adjusts the number of Deputy Assistant Secretaries overseeing specific areas of the Department's operations and updates the corresponding table of contents in the U.S. Code.

Relevant Companies

None found