WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today on the resignation of General Eric Shinseki as Veterans Affairs Secretary:

“Secretary Shinseki has served our country honorably and with great distinction, from his courageous service in Vietnam to his time as Army Chief of Staff, through his continued service on behalf of our brave soldiers and veterans.  The Secretary’s attention to issues in Connecticut, including his visit to the West Haven Medical Center and his response to the predicament facing 23 veterans who were almost forced out of their retirement homes, were always appreciated. His resignation represents an opportunity for new leadership to take the needed steps to address the VA’s problems, which go much deeper than who is Secretary. The actions taken by those in Phoenix and other medical centers are abhorrent and must be dealt with thoroughly.

“Going forward the VA must set up systems and procedures to ensure our veterans can get the care they need and deserve. The new Secretary must also hold responsible those who took the deplorable step of manipulating wait times. As always, I will continue to work with veterans in the Third District, including my Veterans Military Advisory Committee, to ensure that they are getting the care they deserve, and that the myriad of other issues our veterans face from education to job training to housing are properly addressed by Congress.”