April 30, 2025

Ranking Member Takano Slams Chairman Bost’s Political Stunt & Attacks on Former VA Leaders

Press Contact

Meagan Whalen (Communications Director)
Elain Shubat (Deputy Communications Director/Digital Director)

WASHINGTON- Today, Ranking Member Mark Takano of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee issued the following statement regarding Chairman Mike Bost’s request to have the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate former VA Secretary Dennis McDonough, former Under Secretary Joshua Jacobs, former Under Secretary Dr. Shereef Elnahal, or any other officials from the previous administration. 

“Chairman Bost’s request is nothing more than a desperate political stunt. The truth is simple: at the end of the last administration, VA was achieving record-high levels of veteran satisfaction, workforce productivity, and healthcare outcomes. Former Secretary McDonough and his team led VA through one of its most successful eras in history. They deserve to be honored — not smeared by partisan attacks.

The Inspector General reports that Republicans found no evidence of criminal misconduct. DOJ reviewed the matters and filed no charges. But instead of accepting the facts, Republicans will go to any length — even weaponizing the justice system — to distract from the current administration’s actions: dismantling VA, subverting Congressional oversight, and driving down veteran trust.

It is stunningly hypocritical. [Yesterday], Secretary Collins celebrated the first 100 days of Trump's second term by taking credit for the very achievements delivered by the Biden administration, while his allies in Congress try to tear down the public servants who made those achievements possible. They're going after former VA officials who dedicated their careers to public service, unlike the DOGE bros directing Secretary Collins and VA. 

Chairman Bost and his colleagues are not focused on oversight. I am appalled by his recommendation and blatant weaponization of the judicial system. It is unprecedented, and the American people –especially our veterans--deserve better than sham investigations and political theater becoming the new normal,” said Ranking Member Mark Takano. 

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