Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) on Saturday questioned President Obama’s commitment to fixing the Veteran’s Affairs Department amid a scandal over falsified wait list times at VA clinics nationwide.
Miller, chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said the president needs to outline a long-term plan to fix the VA during the GOP’s weekly address.
{mosads}“This is the biggest health care scandal in the VA’s history, and America deserves to know whether the president is committed to doing whatever it takes to make things right,” he said. “You deserve to know whether he will personally step in and see this through.”
The Florida lawmaker said the president should take immediate steps in response to the scandal, including supporting the VA Accountability Act passed by the House last month.
The bill makes it easier for the VA secretary to fire executives found responsible for mismanagement.
Department executives have been accused of willfully allowing the use of secret wait lists to hide delays in patient care, which may have led to the negligent deaths of dozens of veterans.
“No more slaps on the wrist,” said Miller. “The only right those who contributed to this scandal should have is the right to be shown the door.”
Miller asked Obama to order the VA to fully cooperate with lawmakers and their investigations. He accused the department of stonewalling and said his committee alone was waiting to hear back from 111 inquiries from the VA.
Miller praised whistleblowers and veterans who have brought the scandal to light, and said lawmakers would hold the president accountable.