Sens. McCain, Flake dig into Phoenix VA accusations
Apr 18, 2014, 5:41 PM | Updated: 8:39 pm
PHOENIX — Two Arizona lawmakers have vowed to find the truth about the allegations of negligence and failure to care for the state’s veterans at the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake met with top leaders of the health facility and asked questions regarding whistleblowing accusations.
The two Republican senators held a news conference Friday across the street from the VA hospital.
The most shocking revelation suggests top leaders of the hospital covered up the deaths of as many as 40 veterans who died as a result of negligence or long wait times in trying to seek medical attention.
Some veterans say wait times now average 55 days.
“They denied allegations about a secret list. They said it did not exist. I have confidence in the inspector general, and Senate hearings will substantiate that response of theirs or (that) there’s more to it,” said McCain. “We have to use every instrument of government to get to the bottom of this.”
Both senators have requested House and Senate hearings. Currently, the Veterans Affairs Administration and the inspector general are conducting investigations of Arizona VA facilities.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
