WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-21), Senator Rick Scott (FL) and Senator Marco Rubio (FL) today urged Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Denis McDonough to take immediate action following a homicide in the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center after repeated failure to address the pervasive issues plaguing the facility.
“This is absolutely tragic on all fronts,” said Rep. Mast. “The West Palm Beach VA needs new leadership to solve widespread issues at this facility. This unnecessary loss of life is unacceptable, especially in a hospital that should be doing everything possible to help veterans who have committed their lives to protecting our nation.”
Last year, in a series of letters, Rep. Mast urged Secretary McDonough and West Palm Beach VA management to address serious concerns of safety and mismanagement. Rep. Mast has actively worked with the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) and will have investigators at the VA hospital next week.
The letter can be read here.
BACKGROUND
According to the criminal complaint received from the United States District Court for Southern District of Florida, a veteran at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center was arrested on first degree murder of a roommate after the victim was found unresponsive inside a shared bathroom.
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