Rep. Michaud Lays Out Plans for Immediate Action to Address VA Crisis

Press Release

Congressman Mike Michaud addressed the ongoing Veterans' Affairs healthcare scandal this morning, and discussed ways to take immediate action that can improve conditions for veterans and their families. Michaud, who serves as the Ranking Member on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, made the remarks at a VFW in Portland prior to meeting with a number of local vets.

"The systemic problems that we are seeing within the Department of Veterans Affairs are inexcusable. Hearing accounts of our vets being harmed by the very system designed to help them makes me incredibly angry," said Michaud. "I'm also deeply disappointed by the VA's inability to so far fully comply with Congressional requests for information in a timely manner. Delay is not an option. We can take immediate legislative action to improve conditions for our veterans, and the President can do the same through executive authority. We don't have a moment to waste in getting to work."

Michaud talked with veterans about what Congress was doing to address the inexcusable lapses in care. Earlier this week, Michaud voted in favor of a bill that gives the VA Secretary greater authority in firing a small group of VA senior executives, though he noted from the House floor that he felt the bill could be much stronger. Michaud also is sponsoring far more comprehensive reform legislation, H.R. 4399, that would apply to a much broader swath of the VA executive ranks. Michaud's legislation also establishes clear goals for performance outcomes, and ties the employment reviews of VA executives to their progress in achieving those outcomes. And, when something goes wrong, his legislation calls for a detailed remedial plan to address the problem and ensure it never recurs.

Michaud also has called on President Obama to take immediate action through Executive Order to address the systemic failures within the VA. Many of the recommendations Michaud made to President Obama align with his reforms in H.R. 4399.

Yesterday, Michaud voted to authorize another subpoena for three VA officials to appear before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee should they fail to show up as scheduled for this coming Wednesday. Prior to yesterday's committee action, Michaud had previously voted to subpoena documents related to the destruction of waitlists at a VA facility in Phoenix.

"Those responsible for these failures must be held accountable. I'll continue to push until we've fixed these problems and put measures in place so they never happen again," said Michaud. "This weekend, I'll be talking with veterans from all across the state. And I will be taking their concerns back to Washington with me -- and sharing their stories with my colleagues as a reminder of why we must take action now."

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