Open Eye

A plain-language record of the U.S. government

117th Congress · Senate

Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act of 2021

Subjects: Congressional oversight · Department of Justice · Department of Veterans Affairs · Evidence and witnesses · Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management · Government studies and investigations · Armed Forces and National Security

In plain language

  • Senate bill in the 117th Congress.
  • Gives VA Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) the authority to subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses.
  • House passed it on May 18, 2022 (substantive).
Official summary (Congressional Research Service)

Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act of 2021 This bill gives the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) the authority to subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses as necessary to carry out the duties of the office. Such authority terminates on May 31, 2025, but subpoenas issued prior to that date shall be unaffected by the termination. The bill prohibits the VA OIG from subpoenaing the attendance and testimony of current federal employees or witnesses as part of any criminal proceeding. Under the bill, the VA OIG must notify the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the intended witness of the intent to issue a subpoena. If DOJ objects to the subpoena because it will interfere with an ongoing investigation, the VA OIG may not issue the subpoena.

View this measure on congress.gov

Roll-call votes on this measure