National commander says veterans “must have a VA that delivers for them.”
American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley issued the following statement in response to a published report saying that up to 35,000 jobs would be cut at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
"The American Legion has a long history advocating for increased accountability and efficiency in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), particularly regarding access to timely, quality health care for our nation's veterans. We share longtime concerns of independent auditors like the GAO and the VA OIG that the current VISN system has often been plagued by bureaucratic inefficiencies, leadership failure, and delayed or denied care for our veterans. The Secretary briefed us on initial details of the reorganization plan, including elimination of long-standing vacant positions, and any changes in structure or staff will not disrupt or delay veteran healthcare. As VA updates its plan in the coming months and commences its implementation in the next few months, The American Legion will continue to provide Congress and VA direct feedback from our members through System Worth Saving and Regional Office Action Review visits. Veterans now – and in the future – must have a VA that delivers for them.”
- Commander