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Lawmaker Rep. Derrick Van Orden called for Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough to resign over bonuses erroneously paid to senior VA executives. The VA inspector general found $10.8 million in bonuses were paid under a law meant to retain employees in critical jobs. Van Orden drafted a resignation letter for a VA undersecretary but called for McDonough to resign instead. McDonough has recouped $9.1 million of the bonuses paid. Some senators have called for firings, but McDonough has taken responsibility and vowed to address the issue. While he admitted mistakes were made in the implementation of bonuses, McDonough defended the use of incentives to attract employees with critical skills. The VA is reviewing the process and may take additional disciplinary actions, but McDonough continues to have faith in his leadership team. Other lawmakers and senators have also called for accountability and trust restoration within the VA. Democrats and Republicans alike have raised concerns about the misuse of incentive payments. McDonough expressed appreciation for the candid conversation during the hearing, but did not directly address Van Orden’s call for his resignation.

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