Statement on Resignation of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki

Statement

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement on news that VA Secretary Eric Shinseki had resigned.

I want to thank General Shinseki for his service as VA Secretary. As Secretary, he made substantial changes and improved the lives of many veterans. A combat wounded veteran of the Vietnam War, he spent over 4 decades in uniform and for that we owe him our gratitude. But with all the findings that have come out about the cover-ups of outrageously long wait times at VA hospitals across the country, it's clear that a change in senior leadership was necessary. Secretary Shinseki had become a distraction and it was time for him to step aside.

It is my sincere hope that the focus can now be put where it is needed most--moving forward to resolve these serious issues so our veterans can get the quality, timelycare they have earned and deserve.

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