Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) released the following statement today following an announcement by the Veterans Administration that it is demoting someone from its Minneapolis office for ethically questionable conduct and relocating them to serve as Assistant Director of the Phoenix Regional Benefits Office. The Phoenix VA system has been the center of national attention after reports surfaced that veterans were waiting months for the medical care they needed, and in some cases, lost their lives while waiting for care.

“Given all of the challenges the Phoenix VA has faced over the past few years, it is completely unacceptable for the Veterans Administration to send an ethically impugned staffer to assist in leading it,” Rep. Grijalva said. “They should be staffing the Phoenix VA with the best they have in order to adequately meet the needs of local veterans. Instead, they’re sending us officials or staffers who may face criminal charges. Nothing could be more insulting as the VA works to rebuild its trust with veterans and the Phoenix community.”