Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON D.C. Representative Lamar Smith (R-Texas) responded to the release of several long-awaited Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (IG)reports on wait times for Texas veterans.
Congressman Smith: The findings of the IGs report are discouraging but not surprising. The report underscores the fact that the Department of Veterans Affairs problems are systemic and widespread. That is certainly not news for the tens of thousands of veterans in my district or the millions waiting for care across the nation. I will continue to hold VA officials accountable to ensure these problems are addressed. Our veterans deserve the best care not delayed care.
In May 2014 Smith led 23 fellow members of the Texas delegation in
calling for an investigation into allegations of misconduct at three VA facilities in Texas. In June Smith took his concerns directly to the acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs in a
meeting at Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital.
In September 2015 Smith assembled a
Military and Veterans Council to provide regular updates on issues facing the more than 60000 veterans current members of the military and the families that live in the 21
st congressional district.
Smith has also supported several key pieces of legislation intended to hold VA leadership accountable for widespread failures and improve care for veterans.
