S. 4400 · In committee · Armed Forces and National Security

Optimizing the VA Workforce for Veterans Act of 2026

What it does

Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and submit a five-year strategic human capital plan to Congress by September 30, 2027, updated annually thereafter, covering the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, National Cemetery Administration, and other VA components.
Mandates the human capital plan include a workforce gap analysis assessing staffing levels needed for each employee position, facility location, facility type, region, and benefit or service type, aligned with industry best practices.
Requires the plan to contain an implementation plan with specific recruitment and retention goals, strategies to improve workforce productivity, targeted hiring of veterans and military-connected populations, and goals to reduce time to hire and onboard.
Directs the Comptroller General to review the strategic human capital plan within 180 days of submission and biennially thereafter, reporting findings to Congress on the adequacy of the plan to fulfill VA mission and responsibilities.

Apr 29, 2026: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

Committee: Senate Veterans' Affairs