Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement following the resignation of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki:
“Secretary Shinseki and his military service and sacrifice to his country have been extraordinary. His willingness to step down to avoid being a distraction in this difficult time is a reflection of how much he cares about our veterans. Though it is likely we will find that the fault for this terrible disservice to our veterans lies with many people, the Secretary is right to take responsibility and offer an opportunity for a fresh approach.
“Secretary Shinseki’s resignation does not by itself improve anything for the veterans we serve. Moving forward, we are committed to working with Acting Secretary Sloan Gibson and the administration to fix all of the ongoing problems at the VA, including a renewed and redoubled effort to get the VA hospital in Aurora built.”