Letter to Richard Stone, Executive in Charge of Veterans Health Administration at Department of Veterans Affairs - Mast Pushes For Answers On VA Security Issues

Letter

Dear Dr. Stone:

Following recent incidents of violence at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center, I am writing to request a detailed outline of the VA's plans to improve security at the facility.

Like you, I am committed to ensuring that veterans receiving care at the West Palm Beach VA--and VA facilities across the country--are being treated in an environment that is safe and secure. Sadly, however, we have seen in recent months how the government has failed to uphold that commitment.

As you may know, on February 27, 2019 a man armed with a handgun at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center opened fire in an emergency room. Following this episode, I was assured by the VA that security measures at the West Palm Beach facility would be revamped to prevent these types of incidents from occurring again. I would like to request a comprehensive outline of the changes that will be made at the Medical Center following those incidents and how they improve from the standards that were in place prior to the incidents.

Please provide this information no later than July 15, 2019. I appreciate your timely consideration of this request and, most importantly, your commitment to the safety and security of our veterans and VA staff.

Sincerely,

Brian Mast
Member of Congress

cc: The Honorable Robert Wilkie

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