What They’re Saying: Ron Johnson Stands Up For Veterans by Demanding Accountability at the VA
Ron Johnson stood up for Wisconsin veterans this week, working to get a new Inspector General appointed to hold the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accountable and help address issues at the Tomah VA and facilities across the country.
For more than a year, Ron Johnson has been urging President Obama to appoint a VA Inspector General. Now, with Michael Missal confirmed by the Senate, Ron will continue working to uncover problems and reform the VA.
Check out what they’re saying:
WSAU.com in Wausau reported on Ron’s work and hope for the new Inspector General: “Senator Johnson spoke on what he feels is a crucial position to have permanently filled in the V.A. after acting leadership refused to be open with information regarding the Tomah V.A. prescription scandal. ‘I am hopeful that under Mr. Missal’s leadership, the V.A. office of Inspector General will restore veteran’s trust in the Inspector General’s office, protect V.A. whistleblowers, and forge a new relationship with Congress,’ said Johnson. ‘I hope Mr. Missal will use his position to help ensure the finest among us receive the high quality care they deserve. I’m confident that Mr. Missal is up to the task and I thank him for agreeing to serve in this important role.'”
In The Hill, Ron said things need to change to boost the American people’s confidence in the VA: “Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), who chairs the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said an inspector general ‘who will boost the confidence of the American people’ is needed after the department has been dogged by scandal in recent years… Johnson added Tuesday that the ‘acting leadership lacked the fundamental tenets of transparency and accountability that all inspectors general should have, and that can literally mean the difference between life and death.'”
The Daily Caller reported that Ron said this is just the beginning to restoring accountability at the VA: “’We have a duty to provide the best care for the finest among us, and that begins by having a permanent and independent inspector general in place,’ said Johnson. ‘Michael Missal is the tip of the spear to restore much-needed transparency and accountability at the VA Office of Inspector General. His presence will go far toward accomplishing our shared goal of providing the highest quality care to our nation’s veterans.’”