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Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) today released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 4031, The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Management Accountability Act, bipartisan legislation that would give the VA Secretary the authority to remove Senior Executive Service employees who are not performing to the standards expected when serving our veterans. 

“We have a responsibility to uphold our promise to the men and women who have so bravely served this country,” said Latta. “Our veterans put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms and values we hold dear, and we have a duty to ensure they receive quality and timely care. Today, President Obama suggested that Congress exercise patience when it comes to handling the VA’s mismanagement of our veterans’ care, which has sadly led to multiple deaths. However, when it involves protecting our veterans’ lives and preventing future deaths, we don’t have time for patience, Mr. President, we only have time for immediate action. 

“The President stated he has been aware of the problems within the VA for years. Yet, he has chosen not to hold his agency accountable. Therefore, today, my House colleagues and I took the immediate action needed to hold the VA accountable to all Americans, especially our veterans.”

The legislation aims to hold the VA and its employees accountable and ensure appropriate and timely care for our veterans, especially in light of recent reports that intentional delays in VA care have resulted in multiple deaths. 

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