Rep. Phil Roe (R-Kingsport) says it’s “with a heavy heart” that he calls on Eric Shinseki to resign as VA Secretary. Credit: Office of Rep. Phil Roe
An East Tennessee congressman is joining a growing chorus of politicians asking Veterans Affairs secretary Eric Shinseki to resign. Phil Roe calls Shinseki an American hero but says the secretary should now step down.
The report from the VA’s inspector general found that veterans at the Phoenix VA medical center had to wait an average of 115 days to see a doctor. Investigators also say the agency manipulated records to cover it up. Roe, a Republican from Kingsport, sits on the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
“This one, what disturbed me was that someone benefited financially when it potentially hurt veterans. I’m almost ashamed that I’m on the committee, and that happened while I’m on it.”
At a committee hearing Wednesday night, Roe grilled officials on the agency giving bonuses for shuffling patients around while many waited months for care.
Meanwhile, Nashville Democratic Congressman Jim Cooper says the inspector general’s report confirms the VA needs an overhaul.
“After reading the report, it’s clear we need institutional change, not just a change in leadership,” Cooper said in a statement. “But it would take weeks and maybe months to get a new VA secretary confirmed by the Senate and in place. It seems to be that the fastest way to get veterans help is for Sec. Shinseki to fix this mess now. Firing him would mean a leaderless VA for months, and that would not be good for veterans.”
Republican Diane Black of Gallatin says she wants to hear from vets in her district who use the VA:
If you’re a #TN06 #veteran I want to hear your about your experiences w/ the VA. SHARE at http://t.co/EfnYWSG2bk #VAaccountability
— Diane Black (@RepDianeBlack) May 29, 2014
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