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H.R.1703 / 105th Congress

Department of Veterans Affairs Employment Discrimination Resolution and Adjudication Act

Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans Affairs.

Official summary

Version 36 · Passed House amended · Oct 6, 1997

Department of Veterans Affairs Employment Discrimination Resolution and Adjudication Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide that the employment discrimination complaint resolution system within the Department of Veterans Affairs be established and administered so as to encourage timely and fair resolution of concerns and complaints and that the system is administered in an objective, fair, and effective manner as perceived by Department employees. Directs the Secretary to impose appropriate disciplinary measures for Department employees who engage in unlawful employment discrimination, including retaliation against employees asserting equal employment opportunity (EEO) rights. Limits to 40 the number of Department employees whose duties include EEO counseling functions as well as other unrelated functions. Allows such splitting of functions only at Department facilities located in remote geographic locations. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress reports on the implementation and operation of the EEO system within the Department. Establishes in the Department an Office of Employment Discrimination Complaint Adjudication headed by a Director who shall be responsible for making final agency decisions on the merits of any unlawful employment discrimination complaints filed by a Department employee. Requires the Director to report to the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs when the Director has reason to believe that there has been retaliation against an employee asserting EEO rights. Requires the Director to submit to the Secretary and the Congress reports on the implementation and operation of the Office. Establishes an independent panel to review and report to the veterans' committees on the EEO and sexual harassment practices and procedures within the Department and to make recommendations on improvements.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Everett, Terry [R-AL-2] · R–AL

Committees

  • Veterans' Affairs Committee
  • Veterans' Affairs Committee
15 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans Affairs.

  2. The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

  3. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  4. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

  5. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

  6. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.

  7. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8369-8373)

  8. Mr. Stump moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  9. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 166.

  10. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 105-292.

  11. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 105-292.

  12. Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

  13. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  14. Hearings Held by the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

  15. Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

  16. Introduced in House

  17. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.1703 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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