CHARLESTON, W.Va. — President Joe Biden signed multiple bills on veterans issues into law on Tuesday, including a measure to improve oversight at health care facilities.
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., was one of the cosponsors of the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act; the bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General to issue subpoenas against former employees and other relevant people amid inspections, reviews and investigations. The agency’s inspector general would also have to notify the U.S. attorney general about plans to issue a subpoena.
“Our Veterans have made great sacrifices to protect our nation, and it is our duty to take care of them. That starts with ensuring accountability at the VA,” Manchin said in a statement.
Manchin said the bill is necessary to prevent incidents such as the deaths of multiple veterans at the Louis A. Johnson Veterans’ Administration Medical Center in Clarksburg. Reta Mays, a former nursing assistant, received seven life sentences plus 20 years in prison for the deaths of veterans at the facility.
“I’m proud of our bipartisan efforts to get this bill across the finish line, and I thank President Biden for prioritizing our Veterans and their safety,” he added.
Other legislation would ensure veterans with health issues from military waste burn pits can receive treatment.