Chairman Takano Statement on Dismissal of VA Deputy Secretary Byrne

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano (CA-41) issued the following statement after VA Secretary Wilkie announced the dismissal of Deputy Secretary James Byrne.

“Despite speaking with Secretary Wilkie this morning about changes to VA’s staff structure, I have many questions about what Deputy Secretary Byrne’s firing means for our veterans and VA as a whole. Deputy Secretary Byrne was confirmed by the Senate—the American people deserve to know why he was dismissed. As Chairman of this Committee, it is my duty to ensure veterans receive timely access to care and benefits without delay, and I want to make sure this personnel decision will not impact that commitment. Secretary Wilkie has agreed to meet with me to discuss this leadership change in detail, and I look forward to speaking with him.”

###

• Print
• Email
• Tweet