On the recordMay 17, 2017
Last week a Federal court temporarily overturned the termination of the fired Phoenix VA hospital director, Sharon Helman. Helman was relieved of her duties in 2015 after a whistleblower disclosed a string of scandals, including manipulation of wait times to collect performance bonuses. Even worse, in a separate court case, she pled guilty and was convicted of accepting over $50,000 in illegal gifts. For this, she is currently on probation. Mr. Speaker, Congress must take swift action to ensure former and current VA employees like Ms. Helman are held accountable. Those who disregard their duty to our Nation's veterans should never be allowed to keep their jobs, salaries, or benefits after proven dereliction of duty. Our veterans do not deserve--and they cannot afford--VA leaders who put profit and expediency over the health of those who have worn our Nation's uniform. Congress has taken steps to reform the Veterans Administration, but we must finish our job. That is why I was proud to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1259, the VA Accountability First Act. American veterans are counting on us to keep our promises and protect them from self-serving bureaucrats. I intend to do just that. ____________________
