Mckinley Statement on Reta Mays Sentencing

Statement

Today, U.S. Representatives David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) released the following statement regarding the sentencing of Reta Mays for the deaths of seven veterans at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, WV.

"The situation at the Clarksburg VA was sickening and never should have happened. We cannot begin to understand the grief and anger of the families whose loved ones were murdered. Today the families of these veterans were finally able to receive justice from the sentencing of Reta Mays," McKinley said. "Going forward we must continue to work with VA leaders and review the Office of Inspector General report to improve conditions and transparency at VA hospitals to ensure what happened here never happens again.

"Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and too often the VA has let them down. They deserve better. We will continue to work to reform the VA and provide oversight, so our veterans have peace of mind every time they go to a VA facility," McKinley added.

Background:

McKinley has introduced legislation following several deaths of veterans at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center.

In March, McKinley introduced the Veterans' Camera Reporting Act. This bipartisan legislation will require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report to Congress on the use and maintenance of all cameras used for patient safety and law enforcement purposes in VA medical facilities. The bill passed out of the House VA Committee last week and is expected to be on the House floor for a vote next week. To learn more about H.R. 1510, the Veterans' Camera Reporting (VCR) Act, click here.

Last Congress, McKinley was a lead cosponsor on House companion to H.R. 5616, the Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act which was signed into law by President Trump in November. The bill requires the VA to submit detailed reports on patient safety and quality of care at VA Medical Centers in light of the recent deaths of Veterans at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center. To read the full text of the bill click here.

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