Federal Bureaucracy and Government Accountability

Overview

The federal bureaucracy is a significant component of the US government, often referred to as the "fourth branch."
It comprises over two million employees working in various agencies to implement laws.
Bureaucracy has significant discretion in policy implementation but also poses monitoring challenges due to its size and independence.

Challenges arise when bureaucratic agencies fail to fulfill their missions or deviate from the law's intent.
The other branches of government have powers to hold bureaucratic agencies accountable.

A whistleblower reported that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital falsified records to underreport veterans' wait times for medical care.
Mismanagement resulted in lengthy wait times and veteran deaths while waiting for appointments.
The scandal highlighted serious bureaucratic mismanagement.

Internal Investigations: Conducted by Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric Shinseki.
Rulemaking Authority: Abolished unrealistic wait time goals to remove perverse incentives.
Leadership Changes: Shinseki resigned; replaced by new VA Secretary Bob McDonald.
Executive Actions: Implemented several measures:
- Established an independent accountability review board.
- Formed a board of physicians to advise the Secretary.
- Planned upgrades to the electronic health record system.
- Introduced protections for whistleblowers.

Oversight Powers: Held hearings and subpoenaed Secretary Shinseki.
Legislation and Funding: Passed reform measures and funded a $16 billion plan:
- To hire more doctors and nurses.
- Upgrade VA facilities.
- Allow veterans access to private doctors.
Accountability Measures: Made it easier to hold VA officials accountable for misconduct.
Approval of Nominees: Confirmed the new VA Secretary.

Constitutionality Review: Evaluated new rules on firing VA employees.
Court Rulings: Determined it unconstitutional to fire civil servants without an appeal process.
Legislative Response: Congress and President Trump established a grievance process for civil servants in 2017.

As of 2015, only three employees were fired related to the VA scandal.
Reports in 2019 indicated progress in wait times and scheduling but noted ongoing issues.
The VA completed a million more appointments in 2018 compared to 2017, showing improved access.

Were the actions by the branches of government effective in holding the VA accountable?
As a member of Congress, judge, or president, what additional steps could be taken to address such issues?