Walsh on VA: ‘The buck stops with you, Mr. President’

Sen. John Walsh (D-Mont.) said Tuesday that ultimately President Obama is accountable for failures within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“You know the buck stops with you, Mr. President,” Walsh said. “Montanans are watching closely and I am committed to finding solutions that work for our veterans.”

{mosads}The administration is investigating the backlog of healthcare claims that some have reported are resulting in deaths.

Walsh, who is a 33-year veteran, said he is “deeply troubled” by the allegations of misconduct and hopes the administration holds people accountable.

“If the report shows wrongdoing, I will demand changes and tough accountability at the highest levels on behalf of Montana’s 103,000 veterans and millions of others across this nation,” Walsh told Obama in a letter. “My first priority is the care and welfare of my fellow veterans. They have done their duty, and they deserve full accountability.”

Walsh came short of demanding VA Secretary Eric Shinseki’s resignation but several Republicans have done so.