Last night, I had a phone call with Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough to discuss reports  that staffing at Mann-Grandstaff could be cut due to a massive budget deficit caused by the failed electronic health record (EHR) system.

The good news is that we had a productive conversation, and he finally made a commitment to me that there will not be any cuts to staff or services at Mann-Grandstaff. 

The bad news is that we’ve heard this all before. Time and time again, the VA has said one thing to our veterans’ faces just to do the opposite behind their backs. 

This time must be different. I told the secretary that we are all tired of the broken promises and made it clear to him that if he wants to start rebuilding trust in Eastern Washington, then he needs to keep his word and do everything he possibly can to work with Congress to support our veterans and providers at Mann-Grandstaff. 

I’m encouraged that we were able to secure this commitment, but now our work begins to hold him to it. I’ll keep you updated on our progress.