U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released a statement following the resignation of Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki:

“I thank Secretary Shinseki for his many years of service to our nation. But his resignation does nothing to deal with the debacle resulting from the bureaucratic nightmare at the VA, nor does it give relief to veterans who have suffered egregiously long wait times and continue to not get the care they deserve. Now that there’s a leadership vacuum at the VA, who will ensure veterans in my district who were turned away at Hines VA Hospital will receive proper care? Will President Obama take ownership of a system that has failed under his watch?

“The VA system is under duress, failing under its own weight as another result of bureaucracy run amok. Stop gap measures do little to address the perverse incentives that exist for doctors and caregivers in the system. As the 70th Anniversary of the Allied landing on the beaches of Normandy approaches, we must honorably keep our promise to care for those who fought for our freedoms. There are still veterans who remember what rationing is. Our veterans’ healthcare should not be rationed simply so administrative personnel and healthcare workers can get their promotions and bonuses. It’s going to take more than a resignation and duct tape to fix this mess.”

Hultgren has demanded action for Illinois veterans whose healthcare needs may have been neglected or ignored by Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in suburban Chicago or broader Veterans Administration, and has encouraged veterans in the 14th District to contact his Geneva district office for assistance in dealing with the VA and receiving proper care. He is currently working with Congressional leaders on legislation that will address waiting periods for care and exploring the possibility of legislating veteran access to private healthcare when the VA fails to provide needed care.

SOURCE: Congressman Randy Hultgren’s Office