Boehner on VA Secretary Eric Shinseki’s Resignation

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Boehner (R- West Chester) today delivered the following statement outside his office at the United States Capitol regarding General Eric Shinseki’s resignation as Secretary of Veterans Affairs:

“General Shinseki has dedicated his life to our country and we thank him for his service.  His resignation, though, does not absolve the president of his responsibility to step in and make things right for our veterans.  Business as usual cannot continue.

“As a first step, the Senate should immediately take up the House-passed VA Management Accountability Act.

“And until the president outlines a vision and an effective plan for addressing the broad dysfunction at the VA, today’s announcement really changes nothing.

“One personnel change cannot be used as an excuse to paper over a systemic problem.  Our veterans deserve better, we’ll hold the president accountable until he makes things right.”

NOTE:  After hearing from an overwhelming number of veterans from his district, Congressman Boehner last February and April sent letters to the VA Secretary seeking answers to the VA claims backlog.

Last July, Congressman Boehner was joined by Members of Congress from the Ohio delegation in a letter to the Secretary demanding from the VA a direct and transparent plan for addressing the VA backlog.

Ever since, Congressman Boehner has continued to press the VA and the administration on their commitment to local veterans in Ohio, which has included his strong backing of the VA Management Accountability Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on May 21, 2014.