H.R. 2704 would change the way the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reviews and processes complaints of sexual harassment. Complaints of all forms of workplace harassment and discrimination are processed and investigated by VA’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) office.
The bill would stipulate that VA’s EEO Director cannot also oversee other personnel functions, and it would change the official to whom EEO program managers at VA’s subagencies report. In addition, VA managers who receive any complaint related to sexual harassment, other harassment, or employment discrimination would be required to report such cases within two business days. The bill also would require VA to provide annual training on identifying and addressing all forms of workplace harassment and employment discrimination. Finally, VA would be directed to review its policies relating to harassment and employment discrimination each year and report to the Congress on progress toward meeting the bill’s requirements.
