Bilirakis Statement on VA OIG Report

A recent Department of Veteran's Affairs Inspector General report found "serious" problems with enrollment data for Veterans seeking health care. The VA's Inspector General confirmed that nearly 900,000 military Veterans have officially pending applications for health care. Of those 900,000, an estimated 307,000 Veterans listed died before their applications for care were processed.

"Our worst fears have been confirmed by these reports. The VA has repeatedly failed on its promise to provide for our nation's Veterans. Those brave women and men who return from serving our country should be able to receive timely access to quality care. This report proves that the need for reform has become a matter of life or death. We must hold the VA accountable," said Congressman Bilirakis. "Our Veterans have sacrificed too much."

Last Congress, the House Veterans Affairs Committee held hearings to review the inadequate service and significant delays in veteran care. Congressman Bilirakis questioned VA officials on the wait times Veterans were facing and demanded improvement. Multiple reports in the past have exposed widespread mismanagement, inefficiency, and a lack of accountability. The lack of accountability has led to more Veterans suffering.

Congressman Bilirakis remains committed to reforming the VA to ensure Veterans get the care they deserve. "We have worked diligently to ensure our Veterans are taken care of," Bilirakis added. "The House has passed legislation for various reforms, and conducted oversight to hold the VA accountable. The VA needs to regain the trust of our nation's heroes. They deserve much, much better than this."