WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Representatives John Carney (D-DE) and Patrick Meehan (R-PA) led a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald regarding the reinstatement of Diana Rubens as the Director of the Philadelphia VA Regional Benefits Office (VARO). Reps. Carney and Meehan were joined on this bipartisan letter by six of their colleagues, whose districts are also served by the Philadelphia VARO. The letter urged reconsideration of Ms. Ruben’s reinstatement, given her prior misconduct and abuse of taxpayer funds.

“To say that I am outraged over the news of Ms. Rubens’ reinstatement would be an understatement,” said Congressman Carney. “To quote the VA Inspector General’s report, Ms. Rubens ‘inappropriately used her position of authority for personal and financial benefit.’ And yet, less than a year after the release of this report, she’s back in charge. This is unacceptable. I’m extremely disappointed in the process that led to this decision -- it just doesn’t make sense to me. It doesn’t represent the best interest of our veterans or those who care for them. I urge the VA to reconsider this action and the impact this decision will have on the services we’re providing our veterans.”

“The VA isn’t working for our veterans. They’re not getting timely decisions on their benefits, mail and calls to the VA go unanswered, and veterans and their families are left in the dark as to the status of their claims. It all starts with leadership,” said Congressman Meehan. “This decision absolutely defies belief. It’s emblematic of a culture of zero accountability endemic throughout the VA’s leadership. It’s a culture of incompetence, mismanagement, abuse and intimidation of whistleblowers that we’ve seen time and time again all over the country. It’s clear from this decision that the VA has learned nothing from years of scandal and public scrutiny. It’s a slap in the face to the millions of veterans who risked their lives in the service of their country. This bipartisan letter is a clear signal to the VA that both Republicans and Democrats have great concern over the lack of accountability demonstrated by this decision.”

The text of the letter to Secretary McDonald can be viewed here. Representatives Carney and Meehan were joined on the letter by Representatives: Barletta (R-PA), Boyle (D-PA), Cartwright (D-PA), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), LoBiondo (R-NJ), and MacArthur (R-NJ).

###