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Kirkpatrick Speaks Out on Phoenix VA Report

ann kirkpatrick congresswoman arizona

US Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick, AZ-1, issues a statement on the final Veterans Administration report on the Phoenix VA Health Care System

Sedona AZ (August 27, 2014) U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz., issued the following statement after the VA Office of Inspector General released its final report on the Phoenix VA Health Care System:

“The IG report confirms what we already knew: The Phoenix VA has deeply entrenched problems with secret lists, wait-time manipulations and other barriers to care. The lack of continuity of care for veterans who need mental health treatment is especially disturbing. Rural veterans in my district must travel great distances to get care at the Phoenix VA – and they should expect timely, high-quality and continuous care at every VA facility in Arizona and across the country.

“Even though the IG could not conclusively determine if veteran deaths were caused by delays, we must continue this line of inquiry. I fully support the FBI and Justice Department criminal investigations into wait-time manipulation and patient deaths at the Phoenix VA and 92 other VA medical facilities nationwide.

“We know these are systemic problems, and the IG report reinforces the urgent need to hold top officials accountable and transform the VA into a system that puts veterans first. I call on the VA to immediately follow through on the report’s recommendations, and that includes firing any VA officials whose actions undermined the system and hurt veterans.

“While I am pleased we were able to pass major VA reform this summer, Congress must stay focused on sustained, bipartisan oversight to ensure the VA follows through on its obligation to provide world-class, timely care to those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.”

Rep. Kirkpatrick will be on the November 2014 Democratic ballot facing Republican challenger Andy Tobin in District One, Arizona.

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For the best Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!

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