House VA Committee Chair Applauds Shinseki
“Today’s inauguration of Barack Obama as President brings me hope for the future of America’s veterans. I believe the confirmation of General Eric Shinseki as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs goes a long way in restoring confidence in the VA,” said House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) in a statement released today.
“Confidence in an agency must be earned, and will only come when there is accountability, transparency, and results. Over the years, little by little, veterans have lost faith in the VA. Now we need to reinvest in our veterans and prove to them that we will fight for them just like they fought for us.
“Throughout Secretary Shinseki’s long and distinguished career in the Army, he produced real results and proved that his character is of the highest caliber. I am certain that he understands the hard work and dedication necessary to make VA stand for ‘Veterans Advocate,’ instead of what many believe the VA has become – ‘Veterans Adversary.’
“I am excited to work with a new Democratic Administration, but as Chairman of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, my role and responsibilities remain unchanged. Oversight of the VA will continue because the best interest of our veterans will continue to be my number one priority. Caring for our veterans should not be a partisan issue; therefore, I hope to work with all members of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Congress, to provide the needed resources for the VA to carry out this difficult job.
“The ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan bring new challenges and new veterans. We must also never forget the sacrifice and service of our veterans from previous conflicts. General Shinseki will have his hands full from day one as he works to keep the promises that have been made to all veterans, but I am convinced that his knowledge and experience will bring actual results. I am eager to work with the new Administration on the challenges ahead.”
2 Comments
Simon Alvarado on August 4th, 2009
The Veterans Administration has had many secretaries and each appointment has proven to be not worthy of any distinction. Mr. Shinseki in my view has to be the worst appointee to this position. It represents Obama’s rainbow coalition of races. He has hired blacks, women, gay women, gay men, straight women, straight men, Hispanic and Asians and heaven known what else. My point is that these people do not represent the sharpest knives in the kitchen but the mediocre who have very little to offer
To date Mt Shinseki has failed to manage his directors in all 21 VISNs. Each director has their own agenda and most do not consider the needs of the veterans. The failed policies and excessive spending by these directors are then rewarded by bonuses.
The infections of so many veterans by VA medical staff have yet to be addressed by the secretary. There were no termination or reprimands of those involved. Why was nobody held accountable for such travesty of care?
I am sorry but the lives of so many veterans need to have someone in charge that knows how to lead and control his staff. We need someone who listens to veterans and confronts them face to face. Is he afraid of what he will hear, from veterans? A puppet needs to break away from his master.
bernard erde on March 9th, 2009
Eric,I have no quarrel with the amount of money the VA gives for 100% dissability.but i think the amounts for lesser percent of dissability shoud be proportional to the 100% figure. i.e. 50% dissability should receive 1/2 of the 100% amount.
Bernard Erde