Bynum Introduces Two Bipartisan Bills to Support VA Workers and Veterans

Yesterday, Representatives Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) introduced two pieces of legislation to strengthen veterans' healthcare and workplace leave rights, the Supporting VA Families Act and the Vets CLEAR Act. 

In August 2025, the Trump Administration ended all VA collective bargaining agreements (CBA), voiding a contract that gave VA employees an additional four extra weeks of unpaid parental leave. The Supporting VA Families Act would guarantee the unpaid parental leave policy for all VA employees, regardless of the status of any CBA.

The Vets CLEAR Act is focused on ensuring the VA’s funding supports veteran care. Currently, the money the VA reclaims from False Claims Act cases and other administrative processes either goes into other VA accounts or returns to the Treasury, which limits the funds available for veteran care. The Vets CLEAR Act will consolidate all reimbursements into the VA Medical Care Collections Fund (MCCF) to ensure these funds go directly to supporting veteran healthcare.

“VA workers are on the frontlines of delivering on our country’s promises to veterans,” said Rep. Bynum. “They deserve access to family leave to ensure the VA can retain staff and keep providing high-quality care to our veterans. I am proud to introduce these two bipartisan bills to ensure we are treating our veterans and public servants with the respect they deserve.”

“As a father, I know how precious those early days with a newborn are, especially for families balancing demanding careers,” said Rep. Ciscomani. “Parents should have the ability to spend that time with their children. I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Supporting VA Families Act to ensure that those who care for our veterans can be present for their families, just as they are for our nation every day.”

The Supporting VA Families Act is endorsed by the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), and National Nurses United (NNU).

"AFGE and the National Veterans Affairs Council (NVAC) thank Rep. Bynum for introducing the 'Protecting VA Families Act,'" said M.J. Burke, President of the NVAC.  "This legislation would allow dedicated VA employees who take care of our nation’s veterans, many of whom are veterans themselves, the ability to stay home with a new child, if they choose, for an extra month with no pay. Enacting this policy will help VA stay competitive with other employers who offer similar or more generous options and improve recruitment and retention."

You can read the full text of the Supporting VA Families Act HERE. 

You can read the full text of the Vets CLEAR Act HERE.

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