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Pocan Statement on Resignation of VA Secretary Shinseki

May 30, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) today released the following statement following Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki's resignation:

"Secretary Shinseki‘s decision to step down reflects his conviction that the VA will be best served with new leadership as the department continues to address serious systemic problems within the VA health care system. I thank him for his dedicated leadership and service to our country.

"However, Congress must substantively address the systemic problems at the VA – not merely with votes to quickly fire some administrators – but by ensuring the VA has the financial resources to meet the commitment we have made to the men and women who have served our country with honor and bravery.

"Secretary Shinseki's resignation and votes by the House last week do not hide the fact that Congressional Republicans funded the Veterans Affairs Department $2 billion less than the President's budget has requested. We must fulfill the promise of comprehensive health care to our veterans with the necessary resources to provide that care."

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