Senate poised to make firing VA employees easier

WASHINGTON – The Senate is poised to approve legislation to make firing employees easier for the beleaguered Department of Veterans Affairs. It’s part of an accountability effort urged by President Donald Trump.

The Senate bill comes more than three years after a 2014 scandal at the Phoenix VA medical center. Some veterans died waiting months for appointments at the center.

The measure would lower the burden of proof required to fire VA employees.

The American Federation of Government Employees is opposing the bill. But the bipartisan measure is considered to be more in balance with workers’ rights than a version passed by the House in March.

Senators are scheduled to vote on the bill later Tuesday.