Scott on Obama Appointee’s Decision to Reverse Former VA Senior Official’s Demotion

Charleston, SC – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) released the below statement following news that the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) reversed the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs decision to demote a former senior official accused of using her position for personal gain, allowing her to remain a high paid VA employee.

“The decision by Obama appointed members of the Merit Systems Protection Board sends a dangerous signal to those who serve the public. By reversing the Department of Veterans Affairs’ decision to demote a former senior official for potentially using her position for personal gain, the MSPB said in essence the highest ranking VA employees can engage in misconduct and keep their high paying jobs without consequence.

“In 2014, in the wake of secret waiting lists at the VA, I voted for the bipartisan Veterans, Access, Choice and Accountability Act to empower the VA Secretary with the ability to hold employees accountable for abusing our brave veterans. Following this new authority, the American people have not seen many people held accountable for their misconduct, and it is disheartening that the department’s attempt to hold someone accountable has been rebuffed by political appointees.”