WASHINGTON, DC– Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today after both the VA Medical Center in Walla Walla and Spokane were listed by Department of Veterans Affairs auditors as requiring further review.

“I am deeply concerned that VA facilities in Eastern Washington remain under investigation, and I remain steadfast in my commitment to unearthing the truth so we can understand just what went wrong. As we continue investigations both here in Congress and through internal review of the Inspector General, we will get answers. And with those answers, we will make sure our American heroes have access to the best possible care from a modernized agency that puts their needs first.”

Walla Walla and Spokane VAMCs were 2 of 81 sites visited in Phase One of the internal audit that require further review out of a total of 216 sites. The review examines delayed scheduling and management practices, and found that more than 57,000 veterans have experienced over 90 day wait times for VA medical appointments across the country. Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers is an original co-sponsor of the Veteran Access to Care Act of 2014, which works to increase access to care by requiring the VA to offer outside care for those veterans who live over 40 miles from a VA facility or those who are experiencing excessive wait times. Additionally, the Congresswoman sent a letter to President Obama alongside colleagues urging him to take immediate action to address these concerns. 

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