Rep. Walz Statement on the Resignation of Army Sec. Francis Harvey

REP. WALZ STATEMENT ON THE RESIGNATION OF ARMY SEC. FRANCIS HARVEY

In response to the resignation of Army Sec. Francis Harvey, Rep. Tim Walz released the following statement:

"After six long years, someone in the Bush Administration has finally taken responsibility for something. The resignation of Sec. Harvey is a step in the right direction, but for the soldiers living in those mold-infested rooms it is too little, too late."

"Sec. Harvey has held his position since 2004. I think it is appropriate for Congress to ask why conditions at Walter Reed were ignored for so long and I hope the Bush Administration will hold others who knew accountable."

"The situation at Walter Reed is not only deplorable, but also disheartening to our soldiers and to every American citizen. This resignation will restore a sense of responsibility and justice only if it is coupled with serious and immediate actions to rectify the conditions in the hospital."

"I visited Minnesota soldiers at Walter Reed hospital just days before the Washington Post expose broke and while I was not in Building 18, I witnessed crowded hallways and equipment stockpiled in waiting rooms and hallways. The fire alarm rang throughout my entire hour and a half visit to Walter Reed, which was undoubtedly disruptive to recovering soldiers. We can and must do better for the brave men and women recovering in our military medical facilities."

Earlier this week, Walz sent a letter to Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Filner asking that the Committee begin a series of oversight hearings to investigate whether Veterans Affairs medical facilities are overburdened when servicemen and women receive substandard care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The text of the letter is attached.

http://walz.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=59556