Ted Yoho Ready to Help Vets Impacted by Gainesville VA Wait List

Three officials were suspended after reports emerged that the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville had a secret waiting list of 200 patients waiting for treatment. Similar stories on other VA medical centers using secret waiting lists have emerged across the nation, including in Phoenix where 40 veterans died as they waited for treatment.

U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., who hails from Gainesville and represents it, weighed in on Friday.

The news about our veterans having to wait extended periods of time for the help they need at the Gainesville VA is disturbing and inexcusable, Yoho said. However, I commend the Office of Inspector General for quickly looking into this matter and working to find answers. My office will be watching this story very closely as more facts come to light.

If it is true that some of these patients, according to the Gainesville Sun article, were on a waiting list for six months when they should have been given an appointment within 14 days, then someone must be held accountable, Yoho added. These veterans -- who have served their country with honor deserve the treatment they need in a timely manner. Our office will assist in any way necessary to fix this deficiency and hold accountable those who are responsible.