August 26, 2024
FROM CONGRESSMAN NICK LANGWORTHY: This week, it was brought to my attention that the House Veterans Affairs Committee received reports from the VA that the Buffalo VA Medical Center may have mishandled critical oncology referrals, leading to unacceptable delays in cancer treatment for some of our veterans. Cancer is a disease where every moment counts, and even the smallest delay can mean the difference between life and death. The idea that any veteran might have been left waiting for life-saving care is simply outrageous.
In response, I sent a letter to Secretary Denis McDonough demanding a full and transparent investigation into how this happened, how many veterans were impacted, and what corrective actions are being taken to prevent this in the future. After sending the letter, the VA announced that they made personnel changes at the Buffalo facility, including reassigning the director and chief of staff.
On Thursday, I followed up with a visit to the Buffalo VA to meet with interim leadership, including Acting Director Shawn Defries, and toured the oncology department. I appreciate Mr. Defries’ cooperation and the steps being taken to address these failures, but changing leadership alone isn’t enough. We need real accountability to restore trust in the Buffalo VA.
During my visit, I was reassured by their commitment to making immediate improvements. The Buffalo VA has a long history of providing high-quality care, and we must ensure that it continues to uphold that standard for every veteran it serves. However, this situation raises serious questions: How many veterans were affected? How did these administrative breakdowns occur? And most importantly, how do we prevent this from ever happening again?
I’ve been in close contact with House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost, and we are coordinating efforts to get to the bottom of this issue. The VA’s Office of Inspector General is already conducting a review, and Chairman Bost and I will continue to press for answers and hold those responsible accountable.
Let me be clear: this is not a budget issue. Year after year, Congress has delivered record-breaking investments in the VA system to ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve. This failure is rooted in poor management and administrative dysfunction, not a lack of resources. Our veterans are entitled to the best care this country can offer, and anything less is unacceptable.
To every veteran who has experienced delays at the Buffalo VA, I urge you to contact my office. Your stories are crucial to understanding the full scope of this issue and ensuring that these problems are fully addressed. We will not stop until we have answers and the confidence that every veteran is receiving timely, top-quality care.
We cannot allow failures like this to erode the trust that our veterans place in the VA. They answered the call to serve, and it is our sacred duty to ensure they’re treated with the respect and dignity they’ve earned. Thank you for trusting me to fight for you—I am fully committed to ensuring that the Buffalo VA meets the highest standard of care our veterans deserve.
As always, my door is open for those struggling with federal government bureaucracy. My office is ready and able to help with everything from VA benefits, Social Security, the IRS, passports, and more. No problem is too big, and no problem is too small. Just contact my office at (716)-547-6844 or online here.
