(Concord, NH) - Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, released the following statement on the firing of Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin:

"I was disappointed by the misuse of taxpayer dollars by Secretary Shulkin that eroded the trust of the American people. Unfortunately, I have serious concerns that his firing today will strengthen efforts to privatize operations within the Department of Veterans Affairs. I've spoken with many Granite State veterans who fear the loss of camaraderie and the full recognition of their veteran status that comes with receiving care at the VA. We need to improve VA care and expand options for veterans seeking services outside of the system, but privatization is not the answer. I urge Rear Adm. Ronny L. Jackson, President Trump's proposed replacement, to assure veterans in the Granite State and across the country that privatization is not part of his vision for the future of the VA. It's critical that the transition in leadership does not undermine work being done to address deficiencies in care at the Manchester VA Medical Center. Adm. Jackson must honor the promises made by Secretary Shulkin to address the failures at Manchester and improve access to quality care for all Granite State veterans.”

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