Senator Cornyn Responds To Shinseki Testimony

Yesterday, I responded to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki’s refusal to commit to firing those responsible should recent reports of neglect, deception and gross mismanagement be confirmed by an agency-wide audit:

Contrary to the Secretary’s dismissive attitude, the VA will not continue to operate in no-man’s land and there will be consequences if these reports are found to be true.

If 40 veterans died while waiting for care on a secret list and if reports in Texas are true, individuals must be fired, the Secretary will have no choice but to resign, and there must be a top-to-bottom revamping of this dysfunctional agency.

This week, I submitted several questions to Secretary Shinseki, including asking him to confirm that any bonuses or pay raises are on hold for senior leaders at Texas VA facilities under investigation.