,i  #aad? ,,congress  #a/ ,session  ,h4 
,r4 #ciji  ,,9 ,,! ,,h\se ,,(           
,,repres5tatives  ,novemb] #c1 #bjae    
,mr4 ,gu9ta introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i*
 0 ref]r$ to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'  
,affairs1 & 9 addition to ! ,committee  
on ,ov]sight & ,gov]nm5t ,re=m1 = a     
p]iod to be subsequ5tly det]m9$ by !    
,speak]1 9 ea* case = consid]ation ( su*
 provisions z fall )9 ! jurisdiction ( !
 committee conc]n$  ,a ,,bill  ,to am5d 
! ,vet]ans ,access1 ,*oice1 &           
,acc\ntability ,act ( #bjad to exp& !   
,vet]ans ,*oice ,program1 to am5d title 
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 to provide = !
 removal or demotion ( employees ( !    
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs bas$ on   
p]=mance or misconduct1 & = o!r         
purposes4  #a4 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may
 be cit$ z ! ,vet]ans ,heal? &          
,acc\ntability ,act4  #b4 ,expansion (  
,vet]ans ,*oice ,program  7a7 ,removal (
 geographic & wait-,"t requirem5ts      
,subsection 7b7 ( section #aja ( !      
,vet]ans ,access1 ,*oice1 &             

,acc\ntability ,act ( #bjad 7#ch        
,u4,s4,c4 #agja note7 is am5d$ to read z
 foll[s3  7b7 ,eligible vet]ans ,a      
vet]an is an eligible vet]an = purposes 
( ?is section if ! vet]an is enroll$ 9 !
 pati5t enrollm5t sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( 
,vet]ans ,affairs e/abli%$ & op]at$ "u  
section #agje ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates
 ,code1 includ+ any su* vet]an :o has n 
receiv$ hospital c>e or m$ical s]vices f
 ! ,dep>tm5t & has contact$ ! ,dep>tm5t 
seek+ an initial appo9tm5t f ! ,dep>tm5t
 = ! receipt ( su* c>e or s]vices4  4   
7b7 ,*oice ( provid] ,su* section is    
am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7a7--  7,a7 by
 /rik+ p>agraph 7#b72 &  7,b7 by        
r$esignat+ p>agraph 7#c7 z p>agraph     
7#b72 &  7#b7 by /rik+ subsection 7c7 & 
ins]t+ ! foll[+ new subsection 7c73  7c7
 ,*oice ( provid] ,an eligible vet]an :o
 receives hospital c>e or m$ical s]vices
 "u ?is section may select a provid] (  
su* c>e or s]vices f among ! entities   
specifi$ 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,b7 t are     
accessible to ! vet]an4  4  7c7 ,con=m+ 

am5dm5ts ,su* section is fur!r am5d$--  
7#a7 9 subsection 7f77#a71 by /rik+     
subsection 7b77#a7 & ins]t+ subsection  
7b72  7#b7 9 subsection 7g7-- 7,a7 9    
p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ subsection      
7b77#a77;,b7 & ins]t+ subsection 7b72 & 
7,b7 9 p>agraph 7#c71 by /rik+ "u       
subp>agraph 7,b71 7,c71 or 7,d7 (       
subsection 7b77#b72 &  7#c7 9 subsection
 7q77#b77;,a7--  7,a7 by /rik+ 1        
disaggregat$ by-- & ins]t+ a p]iod2 &   
7,b7 by /rik+ clauses 7i7 ?r\gh 7iv74   
7d7 ,increas$ transp>5cy ,! ,secret>y ( 
,vet]ans ,affairs %all annually te/ify  
be=e ea* ( ! ,committee on ,vet]ans'    
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & !
 ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( !   
,s5ate on ! heal? c>e furni%$ to vet]ans
 by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4    
,su* te/imony %all include a full       
progress report on ! ,vet]ans ,*oice    
,program e/abli%$ by section #aja ( !   
,vet]ans ,access1 ,*oice1 &             
,acc\ntability ,act ( #bjad 7#ch        
,u4,s4,c4 #agja note71 includ+ ! numb] (

 vet]ans p>ticipat+ 9 su* program4  #c4 
,removal or demotion ( employees bas$ on
 p]=mance or misconduct  7a7 ,9 g5]al   
,*apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates    
,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end !      
foll[+ new section3  #gae4 ,employees3  
removal or demotion bas$ on p]=mance or 
misconduct  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y   
may remove or demote an individual :o is
 an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t if !         
,secret>y det]m9es ! p]=mance or        
misconduct ( ! individual w>rants su*   
removal or demotion4 ,if ! ,secret>y s  
removes or demotes su* an individual1 ! 
,secret>y may--  7#a7 remove !          
individual f ! civil s]vice 7z def9$ 9  
section #baja ( title #e72 or  7#b7     
demote ! individual by means (--  7,a7 a
 r$uction 9 grade = :i* ! individual is 
qualifi$ & t ! ,secret>y det]m9es is    
appropriate2 or  7,b7 a r$uction 9      
annual rate ( pay t ! ,secret>y det]m9es
 is appropriate4  7b7 ,pay ( c]ta9      
demot$ individuals  7#a7 ,not)/&+ any   
o!r provision ( law1 any individual     

subject to a demotion "u subsection     
7a77#b77;,a7 %all1 beg9n+ on ! date (   
su* demotion1 receive ! annual rate (   
pay applicable to su* grade4  7#b7 ,an  
individual s demot$ may n be plac$ on   
adm9i/rative leave or any o!r category (
 paid leave dur+ ! p]iod dur+ :i* an    
appeal 7if any7 "u ?is section is ongo+1
 & may only receive pay if ! individual 
reports = duty4 ,if an individual s     
demot$ does n report = duty1 su*        
individual %all n receive pay or o!r    
b5efits pursuant to subsection 7e77#e74 
7c7 ,notice to ,congress ,n lat] ?an #cj
 days aft] remov+ or demot+ an          
individual "u subsection 7a71 !         
,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committees  
on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & !    
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives notice 9 writ+ (
 su* removal or demotion & ! reason =   
su* removal or demotion4  7d7 ,proc$ure 
7#a7 ,! proc$ures "u section #geac7;b7 (
 title #e & *apt] #dc ( su* title %all n
 apply to a removal or demotion "u ?is  
section4  7#b7  7,a7 ,subject to        

subp>agraph 7,b7 & subsection 7e71 any  
removal or demotion "u subsection 7a7   
may be appeal$ to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems       
,protection ,bo>d "u section #ggja (    
title #e4  7,b7 ,an appeal "u           
subp>agraph 7,a7 ( a removal or demotion
 may only be made if su* appeal is made 
n lat] ?an sev5 days aft] ! date ( su*  
removal or demotion4  7e7 ,exp$it$      
,review by ,adm9i/rative ,judge  7#a7   
,^u receipt ( an appeal "u subsection   
7d77#b77;,a71 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems           
,protection ,bo>d %all ref] su* appeal  
to an adm9i/rative judge pursuant to    
section #ggja7;b77#a7 ( title #e4 ,!    
adm9i/rative judge %all exp$ite any su* 
appeal "u su* section &1 9 any su* case1
 %all issue a decision n lat] ?an #de   
days aft] ! date ( ! appeal4  7#b7      
,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1       
includ+ section #ggjc ( title #e1 !     
decision ( an adm9i/rative judge "u     
p>agraph 7#a7 %all be f9al & %all n be  
subject to any fur!r appeal4  7#c7 ,9   
any case 9 :i* ! adm9i/rative judge _c  

issue a decision 9 accordance ) !       
#de-;day requirem5t "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! 
removal or demotion is f9al4 ,9 su* a   
case1 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d 
%all1 )9 #ad days aft] ! date t su*     
removal or demotion is f9al1 submit to  
,congress & ! ,committees on ,vet]ans'  
,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,h\se (         
,repres5tatives a report t expla9s !    
reasons :y a decision 0 n issu$ 9       
accordance ) su* requirem5t4  7#d7 ,!   
,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d or      
adm9i/rative judge may n /ay any removal
 or demotion "u ?is section4  7#e7 ,dur+
 ! p]iod beg9n+ on ! date on :i* an     
individual appeals a removal f ! civil  
s]vice "u subsection 7d7 & end+ on !    
date t ! adm9i/rative judge issues a    
f9al decision on su* appeal1 su*        
individual may n receive any pay1 aw>ds1
 bonuses1 inc5tives1 all[ances1         
diff]5tials1 /ud5t loan repaym5ts1      
special paym5ts1 or b5efits4  7#f7 ,to !
 maximum ext5t practicable1 ! ,secret>y 
%all provide to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems         

,protection ,bo>d1 & to any adm9i/rative
 judge to :om an appeal "u ?is section  
is ref]r$1 su* in=mation & assi/ance z  
may be necess>y to ensure an appeal "u  
?is subsection is exp$it$4  7f7         
,:i/lebl[] protection  7#a7 ,9 ! case ( 
an individual seek+ corrective action   
7or on behalf ( :om corrective action is
 s\ght7 f ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel   
bas$ on an alleg$ prohibit$ p]sonnel    
practice describ$ 9 section #bcjb7;b7 ( 
title #e1 ! ,secret>y may n remove or   
demote su* individual "u subsection 7a7 
)\t ! approval ( ! ,special ,c\nsel "u  
section #abad7;f7 ( title #e4  7#b7 ,9 !
 case ( an individual :o has fil$ a     
:i/lebl[] compla9t1 z su* t]m is def9$ 9
 section #gca ( ?is title1 ! ,secret>y  
may n remove or demote su* individual "u
 subsection 7a7 until ! c5tral :i/lebl[]
 (fice "u section #gcb7;h7 ( ?is title  
has made a f9al decision ) respect to ! 
:i/lebl[] compla9t4  7g7 ,t]m9ation (   
inve/igations by ,(fice ( ,special      
,c\nsel ,not)/&+ any o!r provision (    

law1 ! ,special ,c\nsel 7e/abli%$ by    
section #abaa ( title #e7 may t]m9ate an
 inve/igation ( a prohibit$ p]sonnel    
practice alleg$ by an employee or =m]   
employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t aft] ! ,special  
,c\nsel provides to ! employee or =m]   
employee a writt5 /atem5t ( ! reasons = 
! t]m9ation ( ! inve/igation4 ,su*      
/atem5t may n be admissible z evid5ce 9 
any judicial or adm9i/rative proce$+ )\t
 ! cons5t ( su* employee or =m]         
employee4  7h7 ,relation to ,title #e ,!
 au?ority provid$ by ?is section is 9   
addition to ! au?ority provid$ by       
sub*apt] ,,ii ( *apt] #ge ( title #e &  
*apt] #dc ( su* title4  7i7 ,def9itions 
,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m individual  
means an individual occupy+ a position  
at ! ,dep>tm5t b does n include--  7,a7 
an individual1 z t t]m is def9$ 9       
section #gac7;g77#a72 or  7,b7 a        
political appo9tee4  7#b7 ,! t]m grade  
has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section      
#geaa7;a7 ( title #e4  7#c7 ,! t]m      
misconduct includes neglect ( duty1     

malfeasance1 or failure to accept a     
direct$ reassignm5t or to accompany a   
position 9 a transf] ( function4  7#d7  
,! t]m political appo9tee means an      
individual :o is-- 7,a7 employ$ 9 a     
position describ$ "u sections #ecab     
?r\gh #ecaf ( title #e 7relat+ to !     
,executive ,s*$ule72  7,b7 a limit$ t]m 
appo9tee1 limit$ em]g5cy appo9tee1 or   
nonc>e] appo9tee 9 ! ,s5ior ,executive  
,s]vice1 z def9$ "u p>agraphs 7#e71     
7#f71 & 7#g71 respectively1 ( section   
#cacb7;a7 ( title #e2 or  7,c7 employ$ 9
 a position ( a confid5tial or          
policy-det]m9+ "* "u s*$ule ,c ( subp>t 
,c ( "p #bac ( title #e ( ! ,code (     
,f$]al ,regulations4  4  7b7 ,cl]ical & 
con=m+ am5dm5ts  7#a7 ,cl]ical ,! table 
( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is   
am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new     
item3  #gae4 ,employees3 removal or     
demotion bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct4
  4  7#b7 ,con=m+ ,section #dcjc7;f7 (  
title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is       
am5d$-- 7,a7 by /rik+ or at ! end (     

p>agraph 7#b72  7,b7 by /rik+ ! p]iod at
 ! end ( p>agraph 7#c7 & ins]t+ 1 or2 & 
7,c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3  7#d7   
any removal or demotion "u section #gae 
( title #ch4  4  #d4 ,requir$           
probation>y p]iod = new employees (     
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7      
,probation>y p]iod  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt]
 #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z 
am5d$ by section #b1 is fur!r am5d$ by  
add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3     
#gag4 ,probation>y p]iod = employees    
7a7 ,9 g5]al ,not)/&+ sections #ccba &  
#ccic7;d7 ( title #e1 ! appo9tm5t ( a   
cov]$ employee %all become f9al only    
aft] su* employee has s]v$ a probation>y
 p]iod ( #ah mon?s4 ,! ,secret>y may    
ext5d a probation>y p]iod "u ?is        
subsection at ! discretion ( !          
,secret>y4  7b7 ,cov]$ employee ,9 ?is  
section1 ! t]m cov]$ employee-- 7#a7    
means any individual--  7,a7 appo9t$ to 
a p]man5t position )9 ! competitive     
s]vice at ! ,dep>tm5t2 or  7,b7 appo9t$ 
z a c>e] appo9tee 7z t t]m is def9$ 9   

section #cacb7;a77#d7 ( title #e7 )9 !  
,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice at !          
,dep>tm5t2 &  7#b7 does n include any   
individual ) a probation>y p]iod        
prescrib$ by section #gdjc ( ?is title4 
7c7 ,p]man5t hires ,^u ! expiration ( a 
cov]$ employee's probation>y p]iod "u   
subsection 7a71 ! sup]visor ( ! employee
 %all det]m9e :e!r ! appo9tm5t becomes  
f9al bas$ on regulations prescrib$ = su*
 purpose by ! ,secret>y4  4  7#b7       
,cl]ical & con=m+ am5dm5ts  7,a7        
,cl]ical ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+
 ( su* *apt]1 z am5d$ by section #b1 is 
fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+   
new item3  #gag4 ,probation>y p]iod =   
employees4  4  7,b7 ,con=m+ ,title #e1  
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7i7 9   
section #ccba7;c7--  7,i7 by /rik+      
,s]vice or & ins]t+ ,s]vice12 &  7,,ii7 
by ins]t+ at ! end be=e ! p]iod !       
foll[+3 1 or any individual cov]$ by    
section #gag ( title #ch2 &  7ii7 9     
section #ccic7;d71 by add+ at ! end aft]
 ! p]iod ! foll[+3 ,! prec$+ s5t5ce %all

 n apply to any individual cov]$ by     
section #gag ( title #ch44  7b7         
,application ,section #gag ( title #ch1 
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by          
subsection 7a77#a71 %all apply to any   
cov]$ employee 7z t t]m is def9$ 9      
subsection 7b7 ( su* section #gag1 z s  
add$7 appo9t$ aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t (
 ?is ,act4  #e4 ,treatm5t ( :i/lebl[]   
compla9ts 9 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans        
,affairs  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g ( title
 #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is fur!r     
am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new     
sub*apt]3  ,,ii ,:i/lebl[] compla9ts    
#gca4 ,:i/lebl[] compla9t def9$ ,9 ?is  
sub*apt]1 ! t]m :i/lebl[] compla9t means
 a compla9t by an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t
 disclos+1 or assi/+ ano!r employee to  
disclose1 a pot5tial violation ( any    
law1 rule1 or regulation1 or gross      
mismanagem5t1 gross wa/e ( funds1 abuse 
( au?ority1 or sub/antial & specific    
dang] to public heal? & safety4  #gcb4  
,treatm5t ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts  7a7    
,fil+  7#a7 ,9 addition to any o!r me?od

 e/abli%$ by law 9 :i* an employee may  
file a :i/lebl[] compla9t1 an employee (
 ! ,dep>tm5t may file a :i/lebl[]       
compla9t 9 accordance ) subsection 7g7 )
 a sup]visor ( ! employee4  7#b7 ,except
 z provid$ by subsection 7d77#a71 9 mak+
 a :i/lebl[] compla9t "u p>agraph 7#a71 
an employee %all file ! initial compla9t
 ) ! imm$iate sup]visor ( ! employee4   
7b7 ,notification  7#a7 ,n lat] ?an f\r 
bus9ess days aft] ! date on :i* a       
sup]visor receives a :i/lebl[] compla9t 
by an employee "u ?is section1 !        
sup]visor %all notify1 9 writ+1 !       
employee ( :e!r ! sup]visor det]m9es t  
!re is a reasonable likelihood t !      
compla9t discloses a violation ( any    
law1 rule1 or regulation1 or gross      
mismanagem5t1 gross wa/e ( funds1 abuse 
( au?ority1 or sub/antial & specific    
dang] to public heal? & safety4 ,!      
sup]visor %all reta9 writt5 docum5tation
 reg>d+ ! :i/lebl[] compla9t & %all     
submit to ! next-level sup]visor & !    
c5tral :i/lebl[] (fice describ$ 9       

subsection 7h7 a writt5 report on !     
compla9t4  7#b7 ,on a mon?ly basis1 !   
sup]visor %all submit to ! appropriate  
director or o!r (ficial :o is sup]ior to
 ! sup]visor a writt5 report t includes 
! numb] ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts receiv$ by
 ! sup]visor "u ?is section dur+ ! mon? 
cov]$ by ! report1 ! disposition ( su*  
compla9ts1 & any actions tak5 because ( 
su* compla9ts pursuant to subsection    
7c74 ,9 ! case 9 :i* su* a director or  
(ficial c>ries out ?is p>agraph1 !      
director or (ficial %all submit su*     
mon?ly report to ! sup]visor ( !        
director or (ficial & to ! c5tral       
:i/lebl[] (fice describ$ 9 subsection   
7h74  7c7 ,positive det]m9ation ,if a   
sup]visor makes a positive det]m9ation  
"u subsection 7b77#a7 reg>d+ a :i/lebl[]
 compla9t ( an employee1 ! sup]visor    
%all include 9 ! notification to !      
employee "u su* subsection ! specific   
actions t ! sup]visor w take to address 
! compla9t4  7d7 ,fil+ compla9t )       
next-,level sup]visors  7#a7 ,if any    

circum/ance describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#c7 is 
met1 an employee may file a :i/lebl[]   
compla9t 9 accordance ) subsection 7g7 )
 ! next-level sup]visor :o %all treat   
su* compla9t 9 accordance ) ?is section4
  7#b7 ,an employee may file a :i/lebl[]
 compla9t ) ! ,secret>y if ! employee   
has fil$ ! :i/lebl[] compla9t to ea*    
level ( sup]visors betwe5 ! employee & !
 ,secret>y 9 accordance ) p>agraph 7#a74
  7#c7 ,a circum/ance describ$ 9 ?is    
p>agraph are any ( ! foll[+             
circum/ances3 7,a7 ,a sup]visor does n  
make a timely det]m9ation "u subsection 
7b77#a7 reg>d+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t4    
7,b7 ,! employee :o made a :i/lebl[]    
compla9t det]m9es t ! sup]visor did n   
adequately address ! compla9t pursuant  
to subsection 7c74  7,c7 ,! imm$iate    
sup]visor ( ! employee is ! basis ( !   
:i/lebl[] compla9t4  7e7 ,transf] (     
employee :o files :i/lebl[] compla9t ,if
 a sup]visor makes a positive           
det]m9ation "u subsection 7b77#a7 reg>d+
 a :i/lebl[] compla9t fil$ by an        

employee1 ! ,secret>y %all--  7#a7 in=m 
! employee ( ! ability to volunte] = a  
transf] 9 accordance ) section #cceb (  
title #e2 &  7#b7 give pref]5ce to !    
employee = su* a transf] 9 accordance ) 
su* section4  7f7 ,prohibition on       
exemption ,! ,secret>y may n exempt any 
employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t f be+ cov]$ by   
?is section4  7g7 ,:i/lebl[] compla9t =m
  7#a7 ,a :i/lebl[] compla9t fil$ by an 
employee "u subsection 7a7 or 7d7 %all  
consi/ ( ! =m describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 &
 any support+ mat]ials or docum5tation !
 employee det]m9es necess>y4  7#b7 ,! =m
 describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph is a =m        
develop$ by ! ,secret>y1 9 consultation 
) ! ,special ,c\nsel1 t includes !      
foll[+3  7,a7 ,an explanation ( !       
purpose ( ! :i/lebl[] compla9t =m4  7,b7
 ,in/ructions = fil+ a :i/lebl[]        
compla9t z describ$ 9 ?is section4  7,c7
 ,an explanation t fil+ a :i/lebl[]     
compla9t "u ?is section does n preclude 
! employee f any o!r me?od e/abli%$ by  
law 9 :i* an employee may file a        

:i/lebl[] compla9t4  7,d7 ,a /atem5t    
direct+ ! employee to in=mation         
accessible on ! ,int]net website ( !    
,dep>tm5t z describ$ 9 section #gce7;c74
  7,e7 ,fields = ! employee to provide--
 7i7 ! date t ! =m is submitt$2  7ii7 ! 
"n ( ! employee2  7iii7 ! contact       
in=mation ( ! employee2  7iv7 a summ>y (
 ! :i/lebl[] compla9t 7includ+ ! option 
to app5d support+ docum5ts pursuant to  
p>agraph 7#a772 &  7v7 propos$ solutions
 to compla9t4  7,f7 ,any o!r in=mation  
or fields t ! ,secret>y det]m9es        
appropriate4  7#c7 ,! ,secret>y1 9      
consultation ) ! ,special ,c\nsel1 %all 
develop ! =m describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 by
 n lat] ?an #fj days aft] ! date ( !    
enactm5t ( ?is section4  7h7 ,c5tral    
:i/lebl[] (fice  7#a7 ,! ,secret>y %all 
ensure t ! c5tral :i/lebl[] (fice-- 7,a7
 is n an elem5t ( ! ,(fice ( ! ,g5]al   
,c\nsel2  7,b7 is n head$ by an (ficial 
:o reports to ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel2  7,c7   
does n provide1 or receive f1 ! ,g5]al  
,c\nsel any in=mation reg>d+ a :i/lebl[]

 compla9t except pursuant to an action  
reg>d+ ! compla9t be=e an adm9i/rative  
body or c\rt2 &  7,d7 does n provide    
advice to ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel4  7#b7 ,!    
c5tral :i/lebl[] (fice %all be          
responsible = inve/igat+ all :i/lebl[]  
compla9ts ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 reg>dless (    
:e!r su* compla9ts are made by or aga9/ 
an employee :o is n a memb] ( ! ,s5ior  
,executive ,s]vice4  7#c7 ,! ,secret>y  
%all ensure t ! c5tral :i/lebl[] (fice  
ma9ta9s a toll-free hotl9e to anonym\sly
 receive :i/lebl[] compla9ts4  7#d7 ,9  
?is subsection1 ! t]m c5tral :i/lebl[]  
(fice means ! ,(fice ( ,acc\ntability   
,review or a successor (fice t is       
e/abli%$ or designat$ by ! ,secret>y to 
inve/igate :i/lebl[] compla9ts fil$ "u  
?is section or any o!r me?od e/abli%$ by
 law4  #gcc4 ,adv]se actions aga9/      
sup]visory employees :o commit prohibit$
 p]sonnel actions relat+ to :i/lebl[]   
compla9ts  7a7 ,9 g5]al  7#a7 ,9        
accordance ) p>agraph 7#b71 ! ,secret>y 
%all c>ry out ! foll[+ adv]se actions   

aga9/ sup]visory employees :om !        
,secret>y1 an adm9i/rative judge1 !     
,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d1 !      
,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel1 an adjudicat+
 body provid$ "u a union contract1 a    
,f$]al judge1 or ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( !
 ,dep>tm5t det]m9es committ$ a prohibit$
 p]sonnel action describ$ 9 subsection  
7c73  7,a7 ,) respect to ! fir/ (f5se1  
an adv]se action t is n less ?an a      
#ad-;day susp5sion & n m ?an removal4   
7,b7 ,) respect to ! second (f5se1      
removal4  7#b7 7,a7 ,except z provid$ by
 subp>agraph 7,b71 & not)/&+ subsections
 7b7 & 7c7 ( section #geac & section    
#gedc ( title #e1 ! provisions (        
subsections 7d7 & 7e7 ( section #gac (  
?is title %all apply ) respect to an    
adv]se action c>ri$ out "u p>agraph     
7#a74  7,b7 ,an employee :o is notifi$ (
 be+ ! subject ( a propos$ adv]se action
 "u p>agraph 7#a7 may n be giv5 m ?an   
five days foll[+ su* notification to    
provide evid5ce to dispute su* propos$  
adv]se action4 ,if ! employee does n    

provide any su* evid5ce1 or if !        
,secret>y det]m9es t su* evid5ce is n   
suffici5t to rev]se ! det]m9ation to    
propose ! adv]se action1 ! ,secret>y    
%all c>ry out ! adv]se action foll[+ su*
 five-day p]iod4  7b7 ,limitation on o!r
 adv]se actions ,) respect to a         
prohibit$ p]sonnel action describ$ 9    
subsection 7c71 if ! ,secret>y c>ries   
out an adv]se action aga9/ a sup]visory 
employee1 ! ,secret>y may c>ry out an   
additional adv]se action "u ?is section 
bas$ on ! same prohibit$ p]sonnel action
 if ! total sev]ity ( ! adv]se actions d
 n exce$ ! level specifi$ 9 subsection  
7a74  7c7 ,prohibit$ p]sonnel action    
describ$ ,a prohibit$ p]sonnel action   
describ$ 9 ?is subsection is any ( !    
foll[+ actions3 7#a7 ,tak+ or fail+ to  
take a p]sonnel action 9 violation (    
section #bcjb ( title #e aga9/ an       
employee relat+ to ! employee--  7,a7   
fil+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t 9 accordance )
 section #gcb ( ?is title2  7,b7 fil+ a 
:i/lebl[] compla9t ) ! ,inspector ,g5]al

 ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,special ,c\nsel1 or  
,congress2  7,c7 provid+ in=mation or   
p>ticipat+ z a witness 9 an inve/igation
 ( a :i/lebl[] compla9t 9 accordance )  
section #gcb or ) ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( 
! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,special ,c\nsel1 or     
,congress2  7,d7 p>ticipat+ 9 an audit  
or inve/igation by ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al 
( ! ,unit$ ,/ates2  7,e7 refus+ to p]=m 
an action t is unlawful or prohibit$ by 
! ,dep>tm5t2 or  7,f7 engag+ 9          
communications t are relat$ to ! duties 
( ! position or are o!rwise protect$4   
7#b7 ,prev5t+ or re/rict+ an employee f 
mak+ an action describ$ 9 any (         
subp>agraphs 7,a7 ?r\gh 7,f7 ( p>agraph 
7#a74  7#c7 ,conduct+ a pe] review or   
op5+ a retaliatory inve/igation relat+  
to an activity ( an employee t is       
protect$ by section #bcjb ( title #e4   
7#d7 ,reque/+ a contractor to c>ry out  
an action t is prohibit$ by section     
#dgje7;b7 or section #dgab7;a77#a7 (    
title #da1 z ! case may be4  #gcd4      
,evaluation crit]ia ( sup]visors &      

treatm5t ( bonuses  7a7 ,evaluation     
crit]ia  7#a7 ,9 evaluat+ ! p]=mance (  
sup]visors ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,secret>y   
%all include ! crit]ia describ$ 9       
p>agraph 7#b74  7#b7 ,! crit]ia describ$
 9 ?is subsection are ! foll[+3 7,a7    
,:e!r ! sup]visor treats :i/lebl[]      
compla9ts 9 accordance ) section #gcb4  
7,b7 ,:e!r ! appropriate decid+ (ficial1
 p]=mance review bo>d1 or p]=mance      
review committee det]m9es t ! sup]visor 
0 f\nd to h committ$ a prohibit$        
p]sonnel action describ$ 9 section      
#gcc7;b7 by an adm9i/rative judge1 !    
,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d1 !      
,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel1 an adjudicat+
 body provid$ "u a union contract1 a    
,f$]al judge1 or1 9 ! case ( a settlem5t
 ( a :i/lebl[] compla9t 7reg>dless (    
:e!r any fault 0 assign$ "u su*         
settlem5t71 ! ,secret>y4  7b7 ,bonuses  
7#a7 ,! ,secret>y may n pay to a        
sup]visor describ$ 9 subsection         
7a77#b77;,b7 an aw>d or bonus "u ?is    
title or title #e1 includ+ "u *apt] #de 

or #ec ( su* title1 dur+ ! "o-ye> p]iod 
beg9n+ on ! date on :i* ! det]m9ation 0 
made "u su* subsection4  7#b7 ,not)/&+  
any o!r provision ( law1 ! ,secret>y    
%all issue an ord] direct+ a sup]visor  
describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#b77;,b7 to   
repay ! am\nt ( any aw>d or bonus paid  
"u ?is title or title #e1 includ+ "u    
*apt] #de or #ec ( su* title1 if--  7,a7
 su* aw>d or bonus 0 paid = p]=mance    
dur+ a p]iod 9 :i* ! sup]visor committ$ 
a prohibit$ p]sonnel action z det]m9$   
pursuant to su* subsection 7a77#b77;,b72
  7,b7 ! ,secret>y det]m9es su* repaym5t
 appropriate pursuant to regulations    
prescrib$ by ! ,secret>y to c>ry out ?is
 section2 &  7,c7 ! sup]visor is af=d$  
notice & an opportunity = a he>+ be=e   
mak+ su* repaym5t4  #gce4 ,tra9+ reg>d+ 
:i/lebl[] compla9ts  7a7 ,tra9+ ,!      
,secret>y1 9 coord9ation ) ! ,:i/lebl[] 
,protection ,ombudsman designat$ "u     
section #c7;d77#a77;,c7 ( ! ,inspector  
,g5]al ,act ( #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4       
,app471 %all annually provide to ea*    

employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t tra9+ reg>d+     
:i/lebl[] compla9ts1 includ+--  7#a7 an 
explanation ( ea* me?od e/abli%$ by law 
9 :i* an employee may file a :i/lebl[]  
compla9t2  7#b7 an explanation (        
prohibit$ p]sonnel actions describ$ by  
section #gcc7;c7 ( ?is title2  7#c7 )   
respect to sup]visors1 h[ to treat      
:i/lebl[] compla9ts 9 accordance )      
section #gcb ( ?is title2  7#d7 ! "r ( !
 employee to petition ,congress reg>d+ a
 :i/lebl[] compla9t 9 accordance )      
section #gbaa ( title #e2  7#e7 an      
explanation t ! employee may n be       
prosecut$ or repris$ aga9/ = disclos+   
in=mation to ,congress 9 in/ances :]e   
su* disclosure is p]mitt$ by law1       
includ+ "u sections #egja1 #egje1 &     
#ggcb ( ?is title1 "u section #eeb;a (  
title #e 7commonly ref]r$ to z !        
,privacy ,act71 "u *apt] #ic ( title    
#ah1 & pursuant to regulations          
promulgat$ "u section #bfd7;c7 ( !      
,heal? ,insurance ,portability &        
,acc\ntability ,act ( #aiif 7,public    

,law #ajd-aia72  7#f7 an explanation ( !
 language t is requir$ to be includ$ 9  
all nondisclosure policies1 =ms1 &      
agreem5ts pursuant to section           
#aae7;a77#a7 ( ! ,:i/lebl[] ,protection 
,enhancem5t ,act ( #bjab 7#e ,u4,s4,c4  
#bcjb note72 &  7#g7 ! "r ( contractors 
to be protect$ f reprisal = ! disclosure
 ( c]ta9 in=mation "u section #dgje or  
#dgab ( title #da4  7b7 ,c]tification ,!
 ,secret>y %all annually provide tra9+  
on m]it sy/em protection 9 a mann] t !  
,special ,c\nsel c]tifies z be+         
satisfactory4  7c7 ,publication  7#a7 ,!
 ,secret>y %all publi% on ! ,int]net    
website ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 & display        
prom95tly at ea* facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t1
 ! rights ( an employee to file a       
:i/lebl[] compla9t1 includ+ ! in=mation 
describ$ 9 p>agraphs 7#a7 ?r\gh 7#g7 (  
subsection 7a74  7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all 
publi% on ! ,int]net website ( !        
,dep>tm5t1 ! :i/lebl[] compla9t =m      
describ$ 9 section #gcb7;g77#b74  #gcf4 
,reports to ,congress  7a7 ,annual      

reports ,! ,secret>y %all annually      
submit to ! ,committees on ,vet]ans'    
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & !
 ,s5ate1 ! ,committee on ,ov]sight &    
,gov]nm5t ,re=m ( ! ,h\se (             
,repres5tatives1 & ! ,committee on      
,homel& ,security & ,gov]nm5tal ,affairs
 ( ! ,s5ate a report t includes--  7#a7 
) respect to :i/lebl[] compla9ts fil$ "u
 section #gcb dur+ ! ye> cov]$ by !     
report--  7,a7 ! numb] ( su* compla9ts  
fil$2  7,b7 ! disposition ( su*         
compla9ts2 &  7,c7 ! ways 9 :i* !       
,secret>y address$ su* compla9ts 9 :i* a
 positive det]m9ation 0 made by a       
sup]visor "u subsection 7b77#a7 ( su*   
section2  7#b7 ! numb] ( :i/lebl[]      
compla9ts fil$ dur+ ! ye> cov]$ by !    
report t are n includ$ "u p>agraph 7#a71
 includ+--  7,a7 ! me?od 9 :i* su*      
compla9ts 7 fil$2  7,b7 ! disposition ( 
su* compla9ts2 &  7,c7 ! ways 9 :i* !   
,secret>y address$ su* compla9ts2 &     
7#c7 ) respect to disclosures made by a 
contractor "u section #dgje or #dgab (  

title #da--  7,a7 ! numb] ( compla9ts   
relat+ to su* disclosures t 7 inve/igat$
 by ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( 
,vet]ans ,affairs dur+ ! ye> cov]$ by ! 
report2  7,b7 ! disposition ( su*       
compla9ts2 &  7,c7 ! ways 9 :i* !       
,secret>y address$ su* compla9ts4  7b7  
,notice ( ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel     
det]m9ations ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] !
 date on :i* ! ,secret>y receives f !   
,special ,c\nsel in=mation relat+ to a  
:i/lebl[] compla9t pursuant to section  
#abac ( title #e1 ! ,secret>y %all      
notify ! ,committees on ,vet]ans'       
,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & !
 ,s5ate1 ! ,committee on ,ov]sight &    
,gov]nm5t ,re=m ( ! ,h\se (             
,repres5tatives1 & ! ,committee on      
,homel& ,security & ,gov]nm5tal ,affairs
 ( ! ,s5ate ( su* in=mation1 includ+ !  
det]m9ation made by ! ,special ,c\nsel4 
4  7b7 ,con=m+ & cl]ical am5dm5ts  7#a7 
,con=m+ am5dm5t ,su* *apt] is fur!r     
am5d$ by ins]t+ be=e section #gja !     
foll[+3  ,i ,g5]al employee matt]s  4   

7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5ts ,! table (       
sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is     
am5d$--  7,a7 by ins]t+ be=e ! item     
relat+ to section #gja ! foll[+ new     
item3  ,sub*apt] ,i--,g5]al employee    
matt]s  2  &  7,b7 by add+ at ! end !   
foll[+ new items3  ,sub*apt]            
,,ii--,:i/lebl[] compla9ts #gca4        
,:i/lebl[] compla9t def9$4 #gcb4        
,treatm5t ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts4 #gcc4  
,adv]se actions aga9/ sup]visory        
employees :o commit prohibit$ p]sonnel  
actions relat+ to :i/lebl[] compla9ts4  
#gcd4 ,evaluation crit]ia ( sup]visors &
 treatm5t ( bonuses4 #gce4 ,tra9+ reg>d+
 :i/lebl[] compla9ts4 #gcf4 ,reports to 
,congress4  4  #f4 ,re=m ( p]=mance     
appraisal sy/em = ,s5ior ,executive     
,s]vice employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t (       
,vet]ans ,affairs  7a7 ,p]=mance        
appraisal sy/em  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g
 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is   
fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #gag1
 z add$ by section #c1 ! foll[+ new     
section3  #gai4 ,s5ior executives3      

p]=mance appraisal  7a7 ,p]=mance       
appraisal sy/em  7#a7 ,! p]=mance       
appraisal sy/em = individuals employ$ 9 
s5ior executive positions 9 ! ,dep>tm5t 
requir$ by section #dcab ( title #e %all
 provide1 9 addition to ! requirem5ts ( 
su* section1 = five annual summ>y rat+s 
( levels ( p]=mance z foll[s3  7,a7 ,"o 
out/&+ level4  7,b7 ,"o exce$s fully    
successful level4  7,c7 ,"o fully       
successful level4  7,d7 ,"o m9imally    
satisfactory level4  7,e7 ,"o           
unsatisfactory level4  7#b7 ,! foll[+   
limitations apply to ! rat+ ( ! p]=mance
 ( su* individuals3  7,a7 ,= any ye>1 n 
m ?an #aj p]c5t ( su* individuals :o    
receive a p]=mance rat+ dur+ t ye> may  
receive ! out/&+ level "u p>agraph      
7#a77;,a74  7,b7 ,= any ye>1 n m ?an #bj
 p]c5t ( su* individuals :o receive a   
p]=mance rat+ dur+ t ye> may receive !  
exce$s fully successful level "u        
p>agraph 7#a77;,b74  7#c7 ,9 evaluat+ ! 
p]=mance ( an individual "u ! p]=mance  
appraisal sy/em1 ! ,secret>y %all take  

into consid]ation--  7,a7 any compla9t  
or report 7includ+ any p5d+ or publi%$  
report7 submitt$ by ! ,inspector ,g5]al 
( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! 
,unit$ ,/ates1 ! ,equal ,employm5t      
,opportunity ,commission1 or any o!r    
appropriate p]son or entity1 relat$ to  
any facility or program manag$ by !     
individual1 z det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y2   
7,b7 ef=ts made by ! individual to      
ma9ta9 high levels ( satisfaction &     
commitm5t among ! employees sup]vis$ by 
! individual2 &  7,c7 ! crit]ia describ$
 9 section #gcd7;a77#b7 ( ?is title4    
7b7 ,*ange ( position  7#a7 ,at lea/    
once e five ye>s1 ! ,secret>y %all      
reassign ea* individual employ$ 9 a     
s5ior executive position to a position  
at a diff]5t location t does n include !
 sup]vision ( ! same p]sonnel or        
programs4 ,! ,secret>y %all make su*    
reassignm5ts on a roll+ basis bas$ on ! 
date on :i* an individual 0 orig9ally   
assign$ to a position4  7#b7 ,!         
,secret>y may waive ! requirem5t "u     

p>agraph 7#a7 = any su* individual1 if !
 ,secret>y submits to ! ,committees on  
,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,h\se 
( ,repres5tatives notice ( ! waiv] & an 
explanation ( ! reasons = ! waiv]4  7c7 
,report ,n lat] ?an ,m>* #a ( ea* ye>1 !
 ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committees 
on ,vet]ans' ,affairs & ,homel&         
,security & ,gov]nm5tal ,affairs ( !    
,s5ate & ! ,committees on ,vet]ans'     
,affairs & ,ov]sight & ,gov]nm5t ,re=m (
 ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on !
 p]=mance appraisal sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t 
"u subsection 7a74 ,ea* su* report %all 
include1 = ! ye> prec$+ ! ye> dur+ :i* !
 report is submitt$1 ea* ( ! foll[+3    
7#a7 ,all docum5tation conc]n+ ea* ( !  
foll[+ = ea* individual employ$ 9 a     
s5ior executive position 9 ! ,dep>tm5t3 
7,a7 ,! initial p]=mance appraisal4     
7,b7 ,! high] level review1 if reque/$4 
7,c7 ,! recomm5dations ( ! p]=mance     
review bo>d4  7,d7 ,! f9al summ>y       
review4  7,e7 ,! numb] ( initial        
p]=mance rat+s rais$ z a result ( !     

recomm5dations ( ! p]=mance review bo>d4
  7,f7 ,! numb] ( initial p]=mance rat+s
 l[]$ z a result ( ! recomm5dations ( ! 
p]=mance review bo>d4  7,g7 ,any adv]se 
action tak5 aga9/ any su* individual :o 
receives a p]=mance rat+ ( less ?an     
fully successful4  7#b7 ,! review ( !   
,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( !     
in=mation describ$ 9 subp>agraphs 7,a7  
?r\gh 7,d7 ( p>agraph 7#a74  7#c7 ,a    
summ>y ( ! docum5tation provid$ "u      
p>agraph 7#a74  7d7 ,def9ition ( s5ior  
executive position ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m
 s5ior executive position has ! mean+   
giv5 t t]m 9 section #gac7;g77#c7 ( ?is 
title4  4  7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,!     
table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su*      
*apt]1 z am5d$ by section #c1 is fur!r  
am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to   
section #gag ! foll[+ new item3  #gai4  
,s5ior executives3 p]=mance appraisal4  
4  7#c7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,section        
#dcab7;b7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates     
,code1 is am5d$-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#b71 
by /rik+ & at ! end2  7,b7 9 p>agraph   

7#c71 by /rik+ ! p]iod at ! end & ins]t+
 2 &2 &  7,c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3
  7#d7 t1 9 ! case ( ! ,dep>tm5t (      
,vet]ans ,affairs1 ! p]=mance appraisal 
sy/em meets ! requirem5ts ( section #gai
 ( title #ch4  4  7b7 ,review ( ,,ses   
managem5t tra9+  7#a7 ,review ,n lat]   
?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t (
 ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans       
,affairs %all ent] into a contract ) a  
nongov]nm5tal entity to review !        
managem5t tra9+ program = individuals   
employ$ 9 s5ior executive positions 7z  
su* t]m is def9$ 9 section #gac7;g77#c7 
( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code7 ( !   
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs t is be+  
provid$ z ( ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is   
,act4 ,su* review %all include a        
comp>ison ( ! tra9+ provid$ by !        
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to !      
managem5t tra9+ provid$ = s5ior         
executives ( o!r ,f$]al dep>tm5ts &     
ag5cies & to ! managem5t tra9+ provid$  
to s5ior executives 9 ! private sector4 
,! contract %all provide t !            

nongov]nm5tal entity mu/ complete &     
submit to ! ,secret>y a report conta9+ !
 f9d+s & conclusions ( ! review by n    
lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date on :i* ! 
,secret>y & ! nongov]nm5tal entity ent] 
into ! contract4  7#b7 ,report to       
,congress ,n lat] ?an #fj days aft] !   
date on :i* ! ,secret>y receives !      
report "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y    
%all submit to ! ,committees on         
,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,h\se 
( ,repres5tatives ! report toge!r ) a   
plan = c>ry+ out ! recomm5dations       
conta9$ 9 ! report4  #g4 ,limitation on 
aw>ds & bonuses paid to employees (     
,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,section  
#gje ( ! ,vet]ans ,access1 ,*oice1 &    
,acc\ntability ,act ( #bjad 7,public    
,law #aac-adf2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #gjc note7 
is am5d$ to read z foll[s3  #gje4       
,limitation on aw>ds & bonuses paid to  
employees ( dep>tm5t ( vet]ans affairs  
,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all   
ensure t ! aggregate am\nt ( aw>ds &    
bonuses paid by ! ,secret>y 9 a fiscal  

ye> "u *apt] #de or #ec ( title #e1     
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 or any o!r aw>ds or
 bonuses au?oriz$ "u su* title or title 
#ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 does n exce$ !
 foll[+ am\nts3  7#a7 ,) respect to ea* 
( fiscal ye>s #bjaf ?r\gh #bjah1        
#cjj1jjj1jjj4  7#b7 ,) respect to ea* ( 
fiscal ye>s #bjai ?r\gh #bjbd1          
#cfj1jjj1jjj4  4