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WALZ FIGHTS TO ENSURE QUALITY CARE, OVERSIGHT AT THE VA
For Immediate Release
February 28, 2008
Contact: Meredith Salsbery
507-388-2149
WASHINGTON D.C. — This week, Congressman Walz continued the fight to ensure quality care and oversight at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by pushing to adequately fund the VA’s watchdog agency known as the Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
Walz, who organized the effort with the support of several of his House colleagues, said that the VA OIG monitors VA spending and contracts to make sure the taxpayers’ money is being spent wisely. The OIG also evaluates VA clinics and reports any substandard care.
Walz and his colleagues sent a bipartisan letter to the Chairman of the Budget Committee, asking him to reject the budget cuts requested by the Bush Administration for the VA OIG.
“Last year, the Democratic-led Congress increased the budget for the VA’s watchdog and in doing so, expanded its oversight and ability to protect our veterans,” said Walz, a 24 year veteran of the National Guard. “This year, the President’s budget request asked Congress to cut employees from the VA’s watchdog office and reduce its ability to stop fraud and waste at the VA. That’s unacceptable.”
Walz said that the VA OIG provides a return of $11 for every $1 invested. By reviewing contracts between the VA and private businesses hired to assist our veterans, the OIG ensures that veterans are receiving the highest level of care from these contractors.
At a Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee hearing on January 29, representatives from the VA OIG testified that with more funding, their office would be able to more effectively evaluate the quality of care at VA facilities across the country. In short, the experts said, increased funding for the OIG would improve care at the VA, which all veterans deserve.
Walz concluded, “It makes no sense to cut funds from an office that both saves the government money and protects America’s veterans. Our soldiers served this country with honor and distinction. We owe them nothing less than the highest quality care and the Office of the Inspector General is a key player in making sure that happens.”
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