A spokeswoman for Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki told CNN on Thursday that a "face-to-face audit" will be conducted at all Department of Veterans Affairs clinics. The move was obviously triggered by accusations lodged at Shinseki's department, which says that they are responsible for the delays in providing health care to veterans at some of its hospitals. Majority of the veterans reportedly died waiting to receive much-needed healthcare.
On the other hand, the House Veterans Affairs Committee earlier in the day voted to subpoena Shinseki to probe on whether there is truth to the allegations of a secret list first reported by the news outlet. The subpoena would reportedly cover emails that has information about the destruction of the said list of veterans waiting for care at a hospital in Phoenix. Shinseki is expected to provide his testimony on the matter on May 15 before the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, CNN said.
Shinseki's office has refused all invitations for an interview by CNN regarding the deaths of US veterans who have been waiting for treatment at VA hospitals all over the US.
On May 1, Shinseki addressed the allegations of the secret waiting list and said that the VA has placed the director of the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care system and two others on administrative leave following the scandal.
We believe it is important to allow an independent, objective review to proceed. These allegations, if true, are absolutely unacceptable and if the Inspector General's investigation substantiates these claims, swift and appropriate action will be taken."
On Tuesday, Shinseki told the Wall Street Journal that he intends to serve the US and that he will not resign in the wake of the waiting list scandal.
"I serve at the pleasure of the president. I signed on to make some changes. I have work to do," Shinseki told the newspaper.
