There has been a lot of confusion this week about reports of services being reduced or eliminated at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane. My team and I have been tracking this very closely, and I wanted to give you an update about what we know.

First and foremost, there are no formal plans to reduce or eliminate inpatient services at the Mann-Grandstaff VA. I spoke with VA Deputy Secretary Donald Remy earlier this week, and he confirmed that these reports are not accurate. The care you receive at Mann-Grandstaff will continue.

While I was pleased to hear that there are no plans to reduce services at this time, I made it clear to the deputy secretary that the VA’s lack of transparency has caused veterans and care providers unnecessary stress and confusion. This is entirely unacceptable.

I also reiterated my strong opposition to the VA’s separate recommendation to reduce services at the Walla Walla VA. This would be an absolute disservice to the men and women in our community who sacrificed so much for their country.

Please know that I am paying close attention to these conversations at the VA, and I am actively fighting on behalf of every veteran in Eastern Washington to hold them accountable. Serving those who served is my top priority, so you can rest assured that I will do everything in my power to protect the services offered at both the Walla Walla and Spokane VAs.