U.S. Representative John Boehner
Outrage Isn’t Enough, VA Needs Real Accountability Now

WASHINGTON, DC – After hearing from countless veterans in Ohio about the VA backlog more than a year ago, Congressman John Boehner (R- West Chester) has led the U.S. House in pressing the VA for answers. With evidence of gross mismanagement at VA hospitals across the nation continuing to mount, the House took action today by passing the VA Management Accountability Act (H.R. 4031), legislation that makes it easier to hold senior VA leaders accountable. Congressman Boehner issued the following statement:

“When the veterans who have put their lives on the line for this nation die because of delayed or improper care from the VA, we are all right to be outraged – but outrage isn’t enough. Whether it’s the backlog, the secret lists, or the preventable deaths, it’s clear the problems at the VA constitute a system-wide epidemic. At the root of it all is a culture of bureaucracy that protects the very people who should be punished, often giving them bonuses rather than a pink slip. This bill paves the way for real reform and real accountability by making it easier to fire and demote senior officials at the VA who aren’t doing their job. The president himself has said that taking care of our veterans is the ‘fundamental responsibility of the Commander-In-Chief.’ I hope he will take a significant step toward fulfilling that responsibility by supporting this bill, and calling on his party’s leaders in the Senate to do the same. Every day without action is another day we risk more veterans being trapped in a broken system.”

NOTE: After hearing from an overwhelming number of veterans from his district, Congressman Boehner last February and April sent letters to the VA Secretary seeking answers to the VA claims backlog.

Last July, Congressman Boehner was joined by Members of Congress from the Ohio delegation in a letter to the Secretary demanding from the VA a direct and transparent plan for addressing the VA backlog.

Ever since, Congressman Boehner has continued to press the VA and the administration on their commitment to our local veterans in Ohio, which has included his strong backing of the VA Management Accountability Act.