Obama Statement on Kiley Resignation
Monday, March 12, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ben LaBolt
Military Hospitals Under New Management, But Systemic Reform is Still Needed
Washington, DC—Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on the resignation of Lt. General Kevin Kiley:
“The resignations of Lt. Gen. Kiley, Major General Weightman, and Army Secretary Harvey are constructive but small steps on the long road to reforming the medical system that treats our soldiers and veterans. The Bush Administration has always been quick to send our troops to battle, but slow and complacent when it comes to addressing the poor conditions, bureaucracy, and neglect that plague military and VA hospitals. We should not assume the system has been reformed just because it is under new management. Congress must act quickly to bring systemic change by passing the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act, which would cut red tape, improve facilities, and create better oversight of U.S. military hospitals around the globe.”