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Congress wants more accountability at the VA

Posted at 7:45 PM, Apr 04, 2014
and last updated 2014-04-04 19:45:45-04

Congress is calling for more accountability over the VA after several deaths at veterans hospitals around the country.

Laurie Simmons spoke exclusively to the American Legion national commander about the push for changes.

They were exposed to hepatitis and HIV from unsanitary equipment, as well as unclean water that led to more than a dozen cases of Legionnaires disease.

This didn't happen in a third world country, but in VA hospitals around the country with veterans as the victims.

The American Legion's national commander Dan Dellinger spoke exclusively to NewsChannel 3 during a visit to post 327 in Norfolk this week.

Aside from the high profile cases of sicknesses in cities like Pittsburgh and Buffalo, he says the biggest problem at VA hospitals continues to be long wait times for appointments.

Especially when it comes to routine screening exams considered essential for preventative care.

The VA's healthcare system has come under fire from Capitol Hill.

Especially when it comes to bonuses and promotions, and how hospital executives get them, no matter how many disasters happen under their watch.

That's why Congress is trying to pass the VA management accountability act.

And the American Legion national commander couldn't agree more. They, along with several other Veterans’ service organizations are backing the bill.