U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) led eight of his Republican colleagues in calling out the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) for his failure on multiple levels to effectively serve America’s military veterans.
“We write today again disappointed by the clear failure in leadership at all levels of the VA to adhere to congressional intent, effectively implement the PACT Act, and be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars,” wrote Sen. Daines and his colleagues in an Aug. 28 letter sent to VA Secretary Denis McDonough.
“A failure that has culminated in 3.5 years of severe deterioration in your department’s ability to adequately serve the American men and women across this country who selflessly stepped forward in service to the United States,” they added.
Sen. Daines and the lawmakers said McDonough’s leadership of the VA has been characterized by a lack of accountability and a willingness to ignore congressional intent.
“Under your leadership, veterans have witnessed improper bonuses being awarded to executives while their quality of care suffers, a $15 billion combined budget shortfall which is larger than any shortfall ever experienced by any administration, and a blatant willingness by the VA to mislead the American public and Congress,” they wrote.
They also pointed to numerous examples of McDonough ignoring congressional intent, such as by the implementation of the PACT Act.
“In January 2023, the VA announced it would begin processing PACT Act benefits claims for all veterans and survivors, completely ignoring statutory requirements that benefits be phased in over an 8-year period,” they wrote. “What resulted was a $15 billion combined budget shortfall that you only recently notified Congress about.
“Your active disregard for the law directly impacts veterans and threatens to put their promised benefits for exposure to toxic substances while serving their country at risk,” according to their letter, which also included signatures from U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).
The senators said McDonough’s “brazen willingness to mislead the American people and Congress” and circumvent federal law is unacceptable.
“The Department of Veterans Affairs is not a tool to be wielded for political benefit, but a mechanism to protect and care for the brave servicemembers of this great nation,” they wrote. “You and your leadership team should immediately reverse course and prioritize the well-being of our nation’s veterans.”