Earlier today, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki announced his resignation in light of the growing VA scandal. His resignation is only part of the solution to the systemic problems within the VA system. The issues uncovered at the VA are the result of severe mismanagement by officials at every level of the Department, as well as a total lack of oversight from the White House, and are completely unacceptable. It is critical that the responsible officials and employees at the VA be held accountable.
The next VA Secretary will have a serious task before them to change the course of this troubled Department. I hope that a strong replacement is selected to accomplish this task. I also hope that President Obama will step up to the plate and lead on this issue as he has promised to do since his election, including the signing of House passed legislation giving the VA Secretary increased authority to fire senior executive employees who fail to serve our veterans. The delays in service faced by our veterans must be addressed immediately in order to correct the problem and ensure quality, timely service for those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. Nothing less will be acceptable to the American public, or to me.
Bob Goodlatte represents the Sixth District in Congress.
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