Washington, D.C. – Today, during the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee meeting, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) reiterated her demand for accountability and answers from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. On May 8, Brownley and her colleagues on the committee subpoenaed emails and written correspondence regarding the destruction or disappearance of an alternate or interim waitlist at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. While the VA has provided some of the subpoenaed information, the committee continues to wait for full production of the materials.
“I am deeply disturbed by the allegations of misconduct at the Phoenix VA, and apparently other locations. Congress has not only the authority to carry out oversight of the VA, but we have the absolute moral obligation to do so in order to make sure our veterans receive the quality care they have earned and deserve in a timely manner,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “After more than a month of hearings and conversations with the VA, it is unacceptable that we have not received the information we have required. We cannot wait for another tragedy to occur before we act, hold those accountable, and address this issue.”
The committee invited three VA officials – Dr. Thomas Lynch, Assistant Deputy Undersecretary for Health for Clinical Operations, Veterans Health Administration; Ms. Joan Mooney, Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs; and Mr. Michael Huff, Congressional Relations Officer, office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs – to appear before it on Wednesday, May 28. Should they fail to do so, they will be subpoenaed to appear before the committee on Friday, May 30.
In addition to seeking answers in the Phoenix VA Health Care System investigation, Congresswoman Brownley has requested a full audit of all VA medical facilities, including the Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, which services Ventura County veterans.
Issues: 113th Congress, Veterans' Affairs