Bilirakis Highlights VA GORDIAN KNOT Act on U.S. House Floor

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) took to the House floor today in support of legislation he recently introduced, the VA GORDIAN KNOT Act (H.R. 1771). The bill focuses on increasing the accuracy and integrity of data reported by the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Please see below for his remarks, and click here for more information about the VA GORDIAN KNOT Act.

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight legislation I recently introduced, the VA GORDIAN KNOT Act, which would help improve and reform the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

"In Greek mythology, the Gordian Knot represents a complex problem that needs out-of-the-box thinking to solve. The VA's Gordian Knot is its repeated manipulation of key data and overall lack of accountability.

"The VA has been known to yield less than truthful information when it comes to collecting and reporting data about patient care, appointment wait-times, and employee hiring and firing practices.

"This behavior is an erosion of public trust and a disservice to our nation's Veterans. It also makes it difficult to properly address the VA's shortcomings and enhance its successes.

"The VA GORDIAN KNOT Act requires the VA to standardize its data collecting and reporting mechanisms, and increases oversight of the integrity and accuracy of the information.

"I believe this bill is absolutely necessary to reform the VA and assist in its mission to care for our true American heroes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back."