CÁRDENAS STANDS UP FOR VALLEY VETERANS
CÁRDENAS STANDS UP FOR VALLEY VETERANS
(San Fernando Valley, Calif.) -- U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley) announced today that he has requested a briefing from Donna Beiter, Director of the Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Cárdenas’ request comes after recent news reports regarding the death of dozens of Veterans in Phoenix, Ariz., following alleged wrongdoing by Veterans Administration hospital employees in Arizona. The employees allegedly falsified waiting list numbers, creating the illusion that Veterans were being seen quickly and efficiently. News reports indicate that similar issues have been reported in Los Angeles, though there have been no indications of any deaths.
"The allegations regarding potential issues in Los Angeles are troubling," said Cárdenas. "Director Beiter has consistently responded to the concerns of both Veterans and our elected officials. I believe she and her staff are acting in the best interests of serving our Veteran community. However, the allegations in Arizona are an example of why I must do my duty as the elected Representative of thousands of Veterans in the San Fernando Valley to ensure that oversight is conducted and that their needs are being addressed. I look forward to meeting with Director Beiter and learning more about wait list issues in Los Angeles.”
Reports in the Los Angeles Daily News quoted VA officials as saying, “L.A. is one of the trouble spots in the VA system,” and indicating that issues in Los Angeles have not been addressed due to overwhelming focus on the Phoenix tragedy.
Cárdenas has asked for a briefing during his district work period during the week of June 2-6.
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