Dr. Ruiz Calls for VA Secretary Shinseki's Resignation

Today, Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-Palm Desert) released the following statement after consideration of the VA Inspector General investigation preliminary review.

"I am deeply disturbed and furious about the reports of forged record keeping and veterans seeking care dying due to long wait times at VA facilities. The veterans in my district and across our nation deserve better.

“With the release of the interim Inspector General’s report, it is clear there is a systemic failure of responsibilities and a breakdown in public trust. As a physician, I measure performance based on results. Since 2005, the VA Office of Inspector General has issued numerous reports that identified deficiencies in scheduling; resulting in lengthy wait times and negatively impacting patient care. These results under Secretary Shinseki’s leadership are unacceptable and it is clear that he must step down.

"Secretary Shinseki is a distinguished Army General and Vietnam veteran that has served honorably and I thank him for his commitment to our nation and our veterans. However, these reprehensible scheduling deficiencies occurred under his watch and ultimately he is accountable. To begin the healing process of this broken trust, new leadership is needed at the VA to ensure those directly responsible are held accountable and that veterans across the country receive the care they have earned and need, when they need it."

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