Byrne Responds to Shinseki Resignation

Washington, DC – May 30, 2014 – Today, Representative Bradley Byrne (AL-1) responded to Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki’s resignation in the wake of institutional mismanagement throughout the VA system.

Byrne said: “It’s time for new leadership at the VA. Secretary Shinseki has served his country honorably, but has proven inadequate in the face of mounting problems that are affecting accessibility to care for our veterans. These failings were unacceptable, and Secretary Shinseki was right to step aside to allow new leadership a chance to right this ship.

“However the resignation of one person will not change the larger institutional problems that have taken root here. The President is long overdue in calling for this resignation – highlighting his failed management of this important part of our government. Our veterans deserve better, and I trust that Secretary Shinseki’s replacement will work with Congress to implement reforms that work.”

Representative Byrne called for Secretary Shinseki’s resignation earlier this week.