Goodlatte: Our Veterans Deserve Accountability

Statement

Congressman Bob Goodlatte released this statement following House passage of H.R. 4031, the VA Management Accountability Act:

"Recent allegations of gross mismanagement within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are extremely alarming. We've heard claims of veterans waiting months for treatment and being placed on secret waitlists, as well as the deaths of several veterans during this prolonged waiting period. Now, as more alarming information comes to light, 26 Veterans Affairs facilities are under investigation.

"The VA Management Accountability Act, which I supported today, would give VA Secretary Eric Shinseki more flexibility to discipline or remove senior executives at the VA who have failed to serve our veterans. Instead of turning a blind eye to abuses within the VA system, those responsible must be held accountable. Our nation's heroes and their families deserve the truth.

"Earlier today, President Obama said that he would not stand for misconduct. He said that his Administration has been working to address the numerous problems within the VA system. With passage of this important legislation, President Obama now has the opportunity to follow through on his words, stand behind this common sense bill and support Senate passage, and give the VA the tools to take swift and decisive take action that will bring about the change required to address the concerns of America's veterans."

Source