Cory Gardner
U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) recently welcomed news that the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) would investigate reports of wait lists for care.
Gardner and Johnson requested the investigation in September after a whistleblower reported a wait list for care that contributed to the suicide of a veteran awaiting treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder at a Cold Springs, Colorado, VA facility.
VA Inspector General Michael Missal recently announced that his office would heed the senators’ request for an investigation.
“I welcome the inspector general’s review of potential unauthorized wait lists and falsification of documents at VA facilities in Colorado,” Gardner said. “These allegations are serious and therefore must be met with a thorough, comprehensive investigation. I remain committed to fighting for transparency and accountability from the VA, and I look forward to reviewing the inspector general’s findings.”
Johnson, the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said he appreciated Missal opening an investigation into the report of “secret wait lists to manage veteran care.”
“As we’ve seen at VA facilities in Wisconsin, it is vital that allegations of wrongdoing at VA facilities be investigated promptly and thoroughly,” Johnson said. “Our veterans, the finest among us, deserve the best quality care. I look forward to reviewing the IG report when it is complete.”
Gardner and Johnson also requested an investigation of reports that documents pertaining to the Cold Springs veteran suicide had been falsified.