Senators Urge DOJ to Investigate VA Misconduct

BY U.S. SENATOR DR. JOHN BOOZMAN –

WASHINGTON – In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, Minority Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee members pressed for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to join efforts with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inspector General’s investigation into misconduct at VA facilities.

“We would like to ensure that there is full participation from the Department of Justice in regard to the Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General’s investigation into widespread allegations of gross misconduct by employees across the country at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs),” the senators wrote.

The senators added that the necessary resources would be available to DOJ.

“The Senate Commerce Justice and Science Fiscal Year 2015 appropriations bill includes the necessary resources for the Department of Justice’s involvement in determining whether any current or former VA officials violated the law, with a report to be issued 30 days after enactment about the actions that DOJ has undertaken in this regard.”

The letter was signed by Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Richard Burr, (R-NC), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Mike Johanns (R-NE) and Jerry Moran (R-KS).

Full text of the letter is below:

June 11, 2014

The Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr.
United States Attorney General
Department of Justice

950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530

Dear Attorney General Holder:

We would like to ensure that there is full participation from the Department of Justice in regard to the Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General’s investigation into widespread allegations of gross misconduct by employees across the country at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs). Regretfully, as the interim report establishes, many veterans have not been served as honorably by our veterans’ healthcare system, as they were when they represented our country in uniform.

As you may know, the Senate Commerce Justice and Science Fiscal Year 2015 appropriations bill includes the necessary resources for the Department of Justice’s involvement in determining whether any current or former VA officials violated the law, with a report to be issued 30 days after enactment about the actions that DOJ has undertaken in this regard. This action by the Senate Appropriations Committee shows broad, bipartisan support in Congress for such an investigation to proceed and swift actions be taken immediately. We must hold responsible parties accountable for any criminal wrongdoings, rid our entire system of bad actors and move forward as a country able to honor our commitment and provide the best, timely healthcare for all veterans.

Given the scope and severity of the current wait time and scheduling data manipulation allegations, we appreciate your willingness to assist in ongoing efforts and helping to get to the bottom of these unacceptable, systemic problems. We thank you and look forward to hearing about your leadership efforts in this respect.

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