Scott Statement on House Passage of H.R. 1994, the VA Accountability Act of 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after his "NO" vote on the passage of H.R. 1994, the VA Accountability Act of 2015, in the House of Representatives:

"I strongly support accountability at the Veterans Administration (V.A.), and believe that it is critically important that our veterans receive adequate care. However the so-called accountability measures in H.R. 1994 will do little to address the systemic issues plaguing the V.A., such as staffing shortages that result in exorbitant wait times and adverse health complications for veterans.

"While there is no question that there is a need for significant reform at the V.A., we do our veterans a disservice by focusing on temporary problems and short term fixes instead of looking at the real problems facing the agency. Because this bill does not address the underlying issues at the V.A. and has significant implications for the civil service system, I voted no on H.R. 1994."

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Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott represents the 3rd Congressional District of Virginia, which includes all or parts of the Cities of Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Petersburg, Portsmouth, and Richmond and the Counties of Charles City, Henrico, Prince George, and Surry. In Congress, he serves as the Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.