Rep. Peters Votes for Increased Veterans Administration Accountability

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 4031, the “Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability Act,” which gives the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) more flexibility over the employment status of senior level officials. This measure provides accountability for the leadership responsible for the type of mismanagement uncovered recently at the VA facility in Phoenix.

“One of the most important jobs of Congress is to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans by providing oversight over the Department of Veterans Affairs. Too often the VA is failing to keep our nation’s promise to veterans and their families, as was evidenced again recently by reprehensible mismanagement at the Phoenix VA facility. Thankfully, San Diego’s VA centers have performed better than most and the backlog of benefits claims has been significantly reduced in our region.

“As more servicemembers come home from tours abroad and return to civilian life, the burden on VA facilities and administrators will increase. Congress must provide the resources necessary for the VA to handle this increased load so that our veterans get the service they expect and deserve.”

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