"Mr. Speaker, our veterans risked their lives in service of our country and when they come home they deserve be treated with dignity and respect - especially by those who they count on to provide them with essential medical care.
The disturbing reports about the unethical treatment of our military men and women by the VA is not only an affront to those we count on to protect our freedoms and liberties, it highlights a systemic lack of accountability -- starting at the top and permeating throughout the agency.
Mr. Speaker, no veteran should pass away waiting for the care they need, or the benefits they deserve. The ineptitude of the VA is an affront to the sacrifice of the veterans who are turning to this agency for assistance and the taxpayers whose hard-earned dollars should be funding this worthy cause.
While this week the House took action to empower the VA to rid itself of those who fail to meet their responsibilities with the passage of the 'Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability Act', there is still much work to be done.
I firmly believe sunlight is the best disinfectant, and I will continue to work to shine a bright light onto this situation until we can ensure that the VA provides the service respect to our veterans as they deserve."