U.S. Reps. Mike Bost (R-IL) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA) continue their efforts to hold the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Loma Linda Healthcare System in California accountable for the inadequate discipline of VA managers at the facility.
“It appears that failures in senior leadership are directly impacting the delivery of care and services to our veterans,” Rep. Bost said on Aug. 24. “Which is why under my leadership we will take their concerns seriously.”
Since January, staff in the offices of both Rep. Bost and Rep. Obernolte have been listening to evidence from dozens of employees that work at VA Loma Linda about the toxic work culture caused by what the lawmakers think are failures of certain Loma Linda leaders.
Recently, whistleblowers from Loma Linda met with the oversight staff of Rep. Bost, chairman of the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
“Last week, my team met with numerous Loma Linda whistleblowers who were consistent in emphasizing that they believe that a few senior leaders have created a retaliatory culture at VA Loma Linda, causing mistrust, a toxic work culture, and bad results for veterans,” said Rep. Bost. “Anyone with a shred of judgment would agree that’s wrong.”
Rep. Obernolte noted that since news of the first whistleblower report broke in April, a flood of additional whistleblowers have come forward to his office with reports of hostile work environments and a VA that has failed to take necessary action to remove the problematic individuals.
“As we have investigated these credible complaints, it has become clear that this problem is both serious and pervasive,” said the congressman.
Both Rep. Bost and Rep. Obernolte in April and July sent letters to VA Secretary Denis McDonough requesting details about why failing supervisory employees have not been disciplined appropriately by VA management at VA Loma Linda. The department has yet to respond to their July inquiry, according to the lawmakers.
“Unfortunately, the problems at Loma Linda appear likely to be far greater than the issues identified in my April and July inquiries,” Rep. Bost said, adding that earlier this month, the Biden administration deployed Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal to Loma Linda “to whitewash the whole situation.”
“I believe Dr. Elnahal appears to be taking the side of those at the top and casting doubt on these brave whistleblowers who are simply trying to serve veterans well,” said Rep. Bost. “Apparently being the most ‘pro-union administration in American history’ means putting those few individuals not doing right by veterans, including some of VA’s senior leaders, ahead of the veterans themselves.
“VA Loma Linda employees, including every union employee, can rest assured that they will always have my ear and I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make the improvements that are clearly needed at this facility,” he added.
Rep. Obernolte also said that failure to provide a productive work environment for employees means a failure to provide the quality of care that U.S. veterans deserve.
“Chairman Bost and I are committed to shedding light on this situation and to taking every action at our disposal to make Loma Linda VA the best it can be for its employees and for the High Desert and Inland Empire veterans it serves,” said the lawmaker.