Jeff Miller: Obama Needs to Take 'Emergency Steps' at VA

U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., weighed in on Wednesday to President Barack Obamas response to the problems plaguing the Veterans Affairs Department. Obama met with VA Secretary Eric Shinseki on Wednesday and vowed to punish department officials if they altered data on wait lists for VA medical centers -- but Miller, the chairman of the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee, said more needs to be done.

I couldnt have been more disappointed with President Obamas remarks, Miller said. VA is in the middle of the biggest health-care scandal in its history. At least 26 VA facilities are under investigation, and by the departments own count, at least 23 veterans are dead due to recent delays in VA care. Immediate action is required, but the president is urging patience. As allegations of secret wait lists and manipulation of appointment wait times continue to surface at VA medical centers across the country, we simply can't afford to wait for the results of another IG investigation or VA's internal review when veterans may be at risk. In order for the public to regain confidence in VAs health care system, President Obama must direct Sec. Shinseki to take emergency steps to ensure veterans who may have fallen victim to these schemes get the medical treatment they need. Additionally, President Obama must direct Shinseki to ensure VA officials in Washington are working to safeguard evidence of possible wrongdoing at local VA facilities so VA employees who may have allowed patients to fall through the cracks will be properly held to account.