The Protect Veteran Jobs Act would create a new reinstatement pathway for certain veterans and require federal agencies to report on veterans who were removed from federal service. Specifically, it makes veterans who were involuntarily removed without cause from a civil service position during the window starting January 20, 2025 and ending on the enactment date eligible for reinstatement to the same job or to another civil service position for which they are qualified. It also mandates regular reporting by executive agencies on veterans who were removed, including the total number and the reasons for each removal, to joint congressional committees through 2029. The intent is to protect veterans’ employment in the federal government and increase transparency about removals of veteran employees.
Key Points
- 1Reinstatement eligibility for veterans: Veterans who were involuntarily removed or dismissed without cause from a civil service position during the period from January 20, 2025 up to the date of enactment are eligible for reinstatement to their former position or any other civil service position for which they are qualified.
- 2Agency reporting requirement: The head of each executive agency must, within 60 days after enactment and then every 90 days until January 20, 2029, report to the relevant congressional committees on former veteran employees who were removed or dismissed.
- 3Required report contents: Each report must include (a) the total number of veteran former employees removed during the covered period, and (b) the reason for each such removal.
- 4Definitions: The bill uses standard federal terms (civil service, executive agency) and defines “veteran” per 38 U.S.C. 101, and identifies the specific congressional committees responsible for receiving the reports.
- 5Timeframe and scope: The reinstatement eligibility is limited to removals within the specified window ending at enactment, and the reporting obligation runs through January 20, 2029.