New Hampshire’s Senators say Veterans Affairs Secretary Erik Shinseki’s decision to step down was the right one.
Senator Kelly Ayotte says that more needs to be done to address the waitlist problems in VA medical centers but Shinseki’s resignation is a positive first step.
“We need to make sure that those who have committed the falsifying of records and misleading people should be fully pursued and prosecuted.”
Ayotte also said a bill she cosponsors would make it easier to fire VA leaders and help provide veterans with greater access to medical services. Senator Jeanne Shaheen released a statement echoing the sentiment of her Republican counterpart, saying it was time for a change in VA leadership. Shaheen also said she will introduce a different VA reform bill in the coming days.
Ayotte and Shaheen joined more than 100 members of Congress when they called on Shinseki to step down. This followed a report released by the VA inspector general which confirmed a large, unofficial waitlist revealed by whistleblowers in the Pheonix VA hospital.
