WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Dan Maffei (D-Syracuse) today released the following statement calling on Secretary Eric Shinseki to resign from his post at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) following the release of the preliminary report by the VA Office of the Inspector General on May 28, 2014 revealing disturbing information on systemic delays and other problems within the VA health care system:
“Secretary Shinseki is a decorated Vietnam War veteran who served his nation in uniform for thirty years and has been deeply committed to our veterans. However, in light of today’s report revealing the systemic mismanagement, falsified data, and ultimately the deaths of veterans who were waiting for health care, it is no longer possible for Secretary Shinseki to lead the VA out of this crisis. Therefore, Secretary Shinseki should step down from his post and the President should appoint new leadership at the VA. We must be focused on what is best for our veterans and fix these problems as soon as possible. I have sent a letter asking for President Obama’s personal engagement in this issue to assure that those who are responsible will be held accountable and that we pursue a path to true reform that leaves no veteran behind.”