Pittenger's statement on VA Secretary Shinseki

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER:  PRESIDENT OBAMA NEEDS TO “WALK THE TALK” ON PROMISES OF V.A. REFORM

WASHINGTON – Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) had these comments following the resignation of Secretary of Veterans Affairs General Eric Shinseki:

“The Veterans Affairs system is badly broken, and has been for some time.  President Obama must act decisively to appoint an outside, effective, and engaged manager who will actively visit V.A. facilities across the country and inspect for what he expects.

“General Shinseki is an honorable American who served our country with distinction.  However, in the face of systemic corruption and bureaucratic stagnation at the V.A., fresh leadership is needed.  Today, General Shinseki once again put his country first by stepping down.  We should all thank him for his decades of service.

“As a candidate, President Obama promised to ‘make the V.A. a leader of national health care reform so that veterans get the best care possible.’  Now is the time to walk the talk.  Our veterans deserve better.”

Congressman Pittenger’s staff has helped thousands of local veterans resolve issues with the V.A.  Any veteran living in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District is eligible to receive assistance.  To learn more, call Congressman Pittenger’s Charlotte office at 704-362-1060.

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