Blumenthal Calls for Inspector General Investigation Into PPE, Testing Shortages at VA

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, wrote Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inspector General Michael Missal today demanding an investigation into reported shortages of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 testing supplies at VA. Labor unions representing VA workers have raised serious concerns regarding access to PPE and testing supplies, while press reports reveal potential underreporting to Congress of data regarding these resources.

“I request that you immediately commence an investigation into the VA’s supply of PPE and testing supplies, and into the conduct of VA leadership to deduce any instances of fraud, waste, abuse or mismanagement. VA employees have risen heroically to save veterans and non-veterans from this terrible illness. These health care heroes have been poorly-served by VA not providing them the proper equipment. I request your action to ensure that VA is accurately tracking, reporting, and acting upon supply and equipment shortages,” Blumenthal wrote.

The full text of Blumenthal’s letter is available here.

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