Rep. Ellison Visits Minneapolis VA

Statement

Rep. Keith Ellison released the following statement today after visiting the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital following an investigation by KARE 11 found that medical records were falsified to cover up long wait times.

"No veteran should have war stories from a visit to the hospital. Minnesota's veterans already proved their courage during their service to our country--they shouldn't have to prove it again to get medical care. After visiting today, I am confident the leadership of the Minneapolis VA will do right by veterans and fix the existing problems.

"The issues at the Minneapolis VA are very serious and I'm committed to working with staff and veterans to find answers and improve scheduling practices. It's not enough to say our veterans deserve better--we must do better. The investigation by the Veterans Affairs Inspector General must be expedited and its findings should include concrete actions the Minneapolis VA can take to ensure our veterans get the timely care they need and medical records cannot again be falsified to cover up inadequate care.

"Our nation's heroes earned our deepest respect the moment they put on a uniform. We must earn back their trust."

Source