News & Media

Embattled DC VA Director Retained Amid Growing Scandals

Arlington, VA – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has retained the embattled former head of the Washington, DC VA Medical Center, Bryan Hawkins, moving him to a position within the VA headquarters despite the major scandals that occurred under his watch. Last month, the IG issued a rare preliminary report stating that veterans at the DC VA were in “imminent danger” under Hawkins’ watch. The… Read more »

CVA Statement on Secretary Shulkin’s VA Briefing Today

Arlington, VA — Today Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Shulkin gave a briefing at the White House on the state of the department. Secretary Shulkin discussed problems at the VA ranging from excess facilities, a lack of accountability, excessive bureaucracy, rampant waste, quality of care concerns, and a lack of health care choice for veterans. Concerned Veterans for America… Read more »

Ongoing VA Drug Theft Investigations Underscore Urgent Need for Accountability

Arlington, VA – Federal authorities are investigating numerous criminal cases of drug theft and unauthorized usage by employees at Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals. The Associated Press recently reported thirty-six criminal investigations opened by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) from October 1 of last year through May 19 of this year, bringing the total number of open criminal cases over 100. The news comes after the VA pledged “zero… Read more »

CVA Commemorates Memorial Day

Arlington, VA – Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) Executive Director Mark Lucas issued the following statement on Memorial Day: “Today and every day, we remember each man and woman in uniform who gave their lives in service to our great nation and in defense of our freedoms. We also honor the loved ones of those brave… Read more »

CVA Statement on SVAC Passage of VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act

Arlington, VA – Earlier this afternoon, the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) passed the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017, or S.1094, with minimal changes. The VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 will reduce the time it takes to fire bad employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), give Secretary… Read more »

Veterans Found Cockroaches in Their Food at Hines VA

Arlington, VA – A newly-released report from the Office of the Inspector General confirms that as early as last year cockroaches were pervasive throughout the Hines Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility in Illinois – and that senior leadership there knew and did nothing. The report confirms that veterans found cockroaches in and around their… Read more »

Congress Should Seek More Savings in VA Budget

Arlington, VA – Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) policy director Dan Caldwell released the following statement on President Trump’s proposed budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in FY2018: “There are a few good items in the new VA budget proposal, but overall it does not achieve Secretary Shulkin’s vision of a more efficient… Read more »