U.S. Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds spoke to approximately 200 military veterans in Pierre Friday. The duo attended the State VFW and VFW Auxiliary Conventions.
Thune says mainly, their conversation revolved around VA Healthcare…
He says the issues do not necessarily reflect in South Dakota, but regardless, veterans deserve better…
The Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, which was signed Friday, gives the Department of Veterans Affairs secretary greater flexibility to terminate or demote agency employees based on performance, misconduct, or other issues related to employee accountability. It also increases protections for whistleblowers and expedites the placement of successful managers.
Thune adds that there are several more issues facing South Dakota veterans, including the ongoing unknowns in closing the federal veterans’ facility in Hot Springs. However, Thune is “cautiously optimistic” that the facility will remain open as it is today.
(KCCR)