As a member of the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs (HVAC) Committee, this morning Congresswoman Annie Kuster released the following statement on a (HVAC) Committee Hearing to investigate the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) knowledge of possible misconduct at the Phoenix VA Medical Center:  

“Our veterans have made great sacrifices to serve and protect our nation, and we must ensure they can access the health services they need when they return home. I’m shocked and appalled at allegations that long wait times at the Phoenix, Arizona VA Health Clinic may have contributed to up to 40 veteran deaths, and I’m equally dismayed at accusations that the clinic attempted to destroy evidence of these wait times. Today, I voted to subpoena documents from the Secretary of the Department of Veteran Affairs, Eric Shinseki, addressing the alleged destruction of the Phoenix VA’s interim waitlist. I am hopeful this will provide further oversight and ensure that the Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) investigation into this matter is not tampered with. I call on Secretary Shinseki and those responsible in Phoenix to immediately respond to these grave allegations.”  

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