May 30, 2014

VA Ranking Member Michaud’s Statement on Secretary Shinseki’s Resignation

Washington, D.C.  – Congressman Mike Michaud (D-ME), Ranking Member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, released the following statement today regarding the resignation of VA Secretary Eric Shinseki:Today is a sad day.  What Secretary Shinseki did in tendering his resignation this morning was honorable.

“Today is a sad day.  What Secretary Shinseki did in tendering his resignation this morning was honorable. Right or wrong, he was becoming the focal point of this issue - to the extent that it was distracting us from addressing the very serious problems within the VA system.  I thank Secretary Shinseki for his service to our country.

“One thing that has never been in dispute is Secretary Shinseki’s personal commitment to veterans.  Now is the time for us to move forward – Democrats and Republicans, VSOs and veterans –to work together to address the systemic failures within the VA, and to ensure our veterans receive the high-quality care they deserve.”