On May 1, I placed members of the Phoenix leadership on administrative leave. The Office of Inspector General has since requested that VA take no additional personnel actions in Phoenix until its independent, objective review is complete.

We are doing all we can to accelerate access to care throughout our system and in communities where veterans reside. I’ve challenged our leadership to ensure we are doing everything possible to schedule veterans for their appointments. We, at the Department of Veterans Affairs, are redoubling our efforts, with commitment and compassion, to restore integrity to our processes to earn veterans’ trust.

After 38 years in the Army, I am honored and privileged to serve veterans as the secretary of Veterans Affairs, and I remain committed to providing the high-quality care and benefits that veterans have earned and deserve. And we will.