McKinley Presses VA Leadership on Accountability and Transparency

Press Release

Today, U.S. Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va) met with Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, along with U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.).

The meeting comes on the heels of the sentencing of former nursing assistant Reta Mays last week, as well as a report issued by the VA Office of Inspector General that detailed many failures that allowed her to murder eight veterans.

"We must hold the leadership of the VA accountable to ensure what happened at Clarksburg never happens again," said McKinley. "Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and too often the VA has let them down. They deserve better."

"There were so many failures on so many levels that led to this travesty," said McKinley. "Our delegation will continue to work to reform the VA, provide oversight, and impose accountability, so our veterans and their families can have peace of mind they will receive the best care possible any time they go to a VA facility."

Background:

McKinley has introduced legislation following several deaths of veterans at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center.

In March, McKinley introduced the Veterans' Camera Reporting Act. This bipartisan legislation will require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report to Congress on the use and maintenance of all cameras used for patient safety and law enforcement purposes in VA medical facilities. The bill passed out of the House VA Committee last week and is expected to be on the House floor for a vote later today. To learn more about H.R. 1510, the Veterans' Camera Reporting (VCR) Act, click here.

Last Congress, McKinley was a lead cosponsor on House companion to H.R. 5616, the Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act which was signed into law by President Trump in November. The bill requires the VA to submit detailed reports on patient safety and quality of care at VA Medical Centers in light of the recent deaths of Veterans at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center. To read the full text of the bill click here.

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