A bill cosponsored by Rep. Steve Knight, CA-25, that would increase accountability for employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs and reform the VA disability benefits appeals process passed the House Wednesday.

H.R. 5620, the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016, would reform the VA to address a variety of common complaints from veterans who receive care from the system. It includes provisions to strengthen protections for whistleblowers, modify the way veterans can appeal determinations on their disability benefits, and restructure the termination and demotion processes for VA employees guilty of underperformance or misconduct.

“Our veterans risked their lives to protect our country and we owe them quality care and service when they return home,” said Representative Knight. “In order to ensure this, we must increase accountability at the VA.”

Knight, a veteran of the United States Army, says measures like these are needed to restore trust between the VA and the service members that it serves so that it can function properly. Earlier this year he introduced a bill to improve the VA by creating a pilot program for a promising new mental health treatment for veterans.

“Improving care at the VA is a top priority for me,” continued Knight. “I am proud to be part of that effort and will continue to fight for our veterans in Congress.”

H.R. 5620 passed the House floor on Wednesday afternoon.