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Ruppersberger Requests Apology from VA Secretary McDonald for "Insensitive" Comparison

Press Release

Date: May 25, 2016
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Veterans Health and Health Care

Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) , a cosponsor of bipartisan legislation to improve veterans' healthcare, today issued the following statement in response to Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald's description of long waits for care:

"I am asking Secretary McDonald to formally apologize to all United States veterans for his insensitive remarks comparing wait times within the VA healthcare system to lines at an amusement park. His clarification that wait times are just one element to the overall VA experience is unconvincing because, for some, the experience begins and tragically ends with waiting. This comment, unfortunately, clouds the progress the VA has made under the Secretary's leadership. Our veterans deserve better from our country and from Secretary McDonald."

Congressman Ruppersberger's bill, the Care Veterans Deserve Act of 2016 (H.R. 5262), allows veterans the option of seeking private care in their own communities, among other measures.


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