June 9, 2010

Stearns Rebukes VA for Failure to Implement IG Recommendations

For more information, contact: Brian Lawrence (202) 225-3527

Washington, D.C. –Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Deputy Ranking Member Cliff Stearns stated that it is unacceptable that the Department of Veterans (VA) has not yet implemented a number of audit recommendations issued by the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

 

Stearns’ remarks were made during a full committee oversight hearing on past-due OIG reports. As of March 31, 2010, there were 107 OIG reports with 640 open recommendations, most of which are on track to close within the required 1 year period.

 

Stearns commended VA for its timely implementation of those recommendations, but said he intends to maintain a sharp focus on VA to ensure the prompt and proper resolution of the 11 open reports that are over 1 year old, and the 23 recommendations in these reports that are still open.

 

“According to IG’s report, it could save taxpayers approximately $92 million dollars if these recommendations are implemented,” Stearns said. “We must ensure a concerted effort is underway to ensure prompt implementation of the OIG’s recommendations in order to realize these savings.”

 

“I find it egregious that VA has not addressed OIG’s recommendations that were made on construction contracts during its 2005 audit. Taking more than five years to fix these wasteful practices is completely unacceptable.”

 

“I look forward to maintaining strong oversight to help VA become more efficient and to ensure an improved return on investment for the taxpayers, and more importantly, to ensure our veterans have access to the highest quality health care and benefits delivery system possible.”