Rep. Kelly Statement on Shinseki Resignation

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) issued the following statement today regarding the resignation of Eric Shinseki as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Secretary Shinseki’s resignation makes sense, but it does not resolve or absolve what has happened to so many of our nation’s heroes. While the vast majority of veterans in the Third District thankfully receive good care and most VA employees are dedicated servants, the widespread and unthinkable negligence now documented throughout the nation has brought this scandal to the level of a crisis. No veteran should ever have to die waiting for care from a nation he or she honorably served and defended. The Obama administration and members of Congress must continue to fight for answers and accountability until the entire VA system is fully repaired and redeemed, especially for those it has failed.”

NOTE: Rep. Kelly is an original co-sponsor of H.R. 4031, the Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability Act of 2014. The legislation would give the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) the necessary authority to terminate the employment of negligent VA officials whose performance the Secretary believes warrants removal.

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