H.R. 2722 — VA Funding and Workforce Protection Act

This section prohibits the impoundment, transfer, or reprogramming of discretionary appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including the Veterans Health Administration, notwithstanding any other provision of law (including the Impoundment Control Act of 1974), unless authorized by a subsequent law enacted after this Act that expressly references this Act. This section also requires the VA Secretary to notify the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs if the department is within 30 days of a funding shortfall.

This section establishes personnel requirements for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, it (1) exempts VA from any hiring freeze issued by the President, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or the Director of the Office of Personnel Management from January 20, 2025, through January 20, 2029; (2) requires the Secretary to reinstate any veteran (as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101)—who was a career VA employee removed from January 20, 2025, through the date of enactment—to the position (or equivalent) held one day prior to removal and exempts such veteran from any reduction in force through January 20, 2029; and (3) requires written notice to the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs at least 15 days before any officer or employee removal under a reduction in force or agency reorganization, prohibits removal of any probationary employee absent new legislation expressly referencing this section, and mandates reports to Congress on any such removals for poor performance (including reasons, performance appraisals, and notices) and lists of probationary employees receiving removal notices every 30 days.

This section directs the Secretary to certify in writing to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations and Veterans’ Affairs, not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, that the Secretary is in compliance with the requirements of this Act.