What happened at the Phoenix VA is a tragedy, it deserves an investigation, and an appropriate response.

Unfortunately, it has become a political football, with the loudest voices often the same people who voted against better funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs just three short months ago.

This is grave situation that requires an investigation, and action … not a partisan witch-hunt.

In the days and weeks ahead, the Department and Congress will look into what happened in Phoenix and VA facilities around the country. Both have a role to play, but for the sake of our veterans at home, and those who will soon return, the goal should be to determine what happened, who is responsible, and how to fix it – not the easiest way to score political points in an election year.

Sign our petition calling on Congress to conduct an investigation – not a witch-hunt – into what’s happening in VA facilities across the country and we’ll share your signature with leaders in each chamber.

Earlier this week, VoteVets polled our veterans and military family members about the issue.

Out of over 3,000 responses, 83% said Secretary Shinseki should not resign before an investigation determines how these mistakes happened and who is to blame — it was an even higher percentage for our members who receive VA care.

The President said directly that anyone found who manipulated or falsified records will be held accountable, and that any additional misconduct will be punished.

Tell Congress a real investigation – not a witch-hunt – is the only way to make those determinations and improve care for future veterans.

http://action.votevets.org/va-investigation

Many Republicans have yet to forgive General Shinseki for speaking up about the force size needed to secure the kind of victory in Iraq neoconservatives were saying would be easy in 2003.

But it’s time for them to put that aside and focus on getting the answers our veterans — many of whom are seeking care after returning from Iraq — have earned and deserve.

Thanks for signing,

Jon Soltz
Iraq War Veteran and Chairman
VoteVets.org