Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald says he's working "aggressively" to fire problem employees in his department and is frustrated by congressional criticism that dismissals aren't moving fast enough.
"If somebody wants us to move faster, then they should change the law," he said during a news conference in Baltimore on Tuesday. "We are following the law. And we are doing it as expeditiously as possible."
The comments echo pushback from other top department officials after another round of criticism from lawmakers that not enough senior administrators have been fired for problems related to VA's recent care delay and data manipulation scandals.
In the last few weeks, McDonald has announced plans to fire five senior executives for various mismanagement and corruption allegations, using new employment authorities approved by Congress in July.
Two of those administrators have retired in lieu of facing disciplinary action, frustrating lawmakers who want not just dismissal but also punishment for the failures. VA officials have said they cannot force employees to stay in their jobs to face a formal censure and firing.
McDonald said he believes he has "the tools I need as a leader to make the changes I need" and has emphasized to all employees the importance of changing the department's culture to better respond to veterans needs.
"If you look at what's happened, you'll see there have been a rolling series of announcements as we've been taking disciplinary actions against different people," he said, promising that employees who have "violated our values" will face consequences.
VA officials also have said they cannot move to fire employees while investigations are ongoing, but will move quickly to respond to any new failings found by outside agencies.
More than 100 cases related to malfeasance at VA facilities have been opened by the department's inspector general, the Office of Special Counsel, and the FBI, with most expected to be completed in coming weeks.
McDonald was in Baltimore on Tuesday as part of his nationwide recruiting tour, which includes visits to prominent medical schools and hospitals to encourage medical professionals to consider VA for their careers.
The department recently announced increased pay for doctors and nurses who come on board, and has announced plans to hire thousands of new employees in coming months to help reduce patient wait times.
Leo covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He has covered Washington, D.C. since 2004, focusing on military personnel and veterans policies. His work has earned numerous honors, including a 2009 Polk award, a 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism award and the VFW News Media award.
