Statement by Sen. McCain on VA Access Audit

Statement

U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) issued the following statement on the results of the nationwide access audit released by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today:

"This audit's finding that over 57,000 veterans are today waiting 90 days or more for their first doctor's appointment at the VA is a disgrace. Finding that staff engaged in widespread falsification of data to improve performance metrics and secure bonuses, this audit confirms that VA's problems stretch far beyond what President Obama last month called an "issue of scheduling.' As the audit states, "the overarching environment and culture which allowed this state of practice to take root must be confronted head-on if VA is to evolve to be more capable of adjusting systems, leadership, and resources to meet the needs of Veterans and families.' To hold accountable those responsible for this misconduct, I continue to believe the immediate and significant involvement by the Department of Justice is necessary.

"By providing more veterans with the flexibility to go to the doctors of their choice for timely care and empowering VA administrators to fire poor-performing employees, the legislative proposal put forward last week begins to address many of these serious issues at the VA. It is my hope that we can begin consideration of this legislation on the Senate floor this week."

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