Walz Statement on Interim VA IG Report

Statement

Today, Representative Tim Walz (MN-01), Member of the U.S. House Veterans' Affairs Committee and the highest ranking enlisted soldier to ever serve in Congress, released the following statement after the VA Inspector General released an interim report substantiating serious concerns at the Phoenix VA medical facility.

"My number one goal as both a veteran and a Member of the VA Committee is to ensure our veterans get the support and care they have earned and deserve. The findings in the VA Inspector General's interim report are inexcusable and unacceptable. The IG's report makes it clear that some veterans have been let down in unfathomable ways and those responsible must be held accountable.

"Secretary Shinseki is one of the most honorable and loyal men I have ever met. He's dedicated his entire life to the betterment of our nation and caring for our brave men and women in uniform. It's a shame that he and other veterans were let down by certain people working under him at the VA, but ultimately the buck stops with the Secretary. That is why today, I believe it would be best if Secretary Shinseki stepped down. We need to fix the systemic problems outlined in the IG report and restore veterans' faith in the system."

Source