VA police officers shielded from job downgrades under new House bill
In committeeH.R. 8010Latest action
Sponsor: Timothy M. Kennedy · Representative · NY
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Official title: VA Police Recruitment and Retention Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 8010 bans VA from downgrading law enforcement job titles and pay, and reverses any downgrades made on or after October 1, 2025.
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What does this do?
HR 8010 would permanently ban the Department of Veterans Affairs from lowering the job classifications or pay grades of its police officers and other law enforcement employees. Any downgrades that took effect on or after October 1, 2025 would be cancelled, and affected employees would have their previous positions restored. The bill also requires back pay to be issued for any wages lost during the period between a downgrade and the bill becoming law.
Who does it affect?
The bill directly affects VA police officers and law enforcement staff who work at VA hospitals, clinics, and facilities across the country. It also restricts the Office of Personnel Management from making classification changes to these specific positions.
Why does it matter?
Without the bill, VA law enforcement employees remain vulnerable to job reclassifications that reduce their pay over time. The bill is framed around the goal of recruiting and retaining qualified security personnel at VA facilities, which could indirectly affect veterans who use those locations.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 19, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Apr 15, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.