May 30, 2014
WASHINGTON D.C. – Representative Jackie Walorski (IN-02) made the following statement after the announcement President Obama has accepted the resignation of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki:
“Secretary Shinseki is a decorated veteran and has dedicated his life to this country and for that we will always be grateful. This issue is not partisan, nor is it political and it must remain that way. Today is not a celebration or a victory for the millions of American veterans in our country who are in limbo with doctor appointments, illnesses and medical benefits. Since I was sworn into office 18 months ago, I have heard heartbreaking stories from vets who have been left to die at the hands of the VA. I have been provided with reports detailing abuse and secret waiting lists that were destroyed. I will move heaven and earth if needed to make sure no one else suffers at the expense of VA mismanagement. The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee has passed dozens of bipartisan measures to help improve the lives of our veterans. Now, 15 bills now sit in the Senate waiting for action. We must work together to get to the bottom of the corruption, which is why I called for Shinseki’s resignation almost three weeks ago and asked for an outside criminal investigation to tell us, once and for all, how preventable deaths and the cover-up of information, was allowed. Shinseki’s successor should have outside experience and gravitas and must put an end to the deliberate destruction of records while also holding bad actors accountable. Otherwise they are being set up for failure and veterans will continue to die. I look forward to working together with the VA to uncover the truth and help protect our nation’s veterans to ensure they receive the care and benefits they so rightfully deserve.”