Slowing down and pausing to see what the consequences are, even if they are unintended consequences, is important to do.

VA OIG reports 'must be accurate,' 'must be fair,' and 'must be objective.' This report is none of those things.

But like any business, the times change, the needs change and it's time for us to look at how we operate our networks differently to get the type of accountability that's needed to make sure we don't see the failures that we saw here in…

The VISN model was put in place close to 20 years ago, a very innovative model that has served VA well.

It is my hope we can work together to ensure talented medical professional remain in the VA to deliver quality care to our veterans.

I came to Washington with the commitment to make our system work better for veterans. That's the commitment that I went to work every day. I continue to feel strongly about that. There was no reason why I would resign.

I received a phone call saying that the President wanted to make a change, and that's certainly his prerogative to do that, and that's what happened.

I think the way the findings were used -- were used in a political way. Not by the inspector general, but by the political appointees within V.A.

I wasn't willing to do that. I don't think that's the right thing for veterans and I stood up against them.

I believe strongly, Anderson, that when it comes to V.A. and national security, we can't make this a political issue.

Yes, I do.