Embattled US veterans affairs secretary Eric Shinseki resigned yesterday following a meeting with US president Barack Obama amid a firestorm of outrage over delays in medical care for veterans.
Shortly after the private White House session, Mr Obama announced to reporters that, "with considerable regret", he had accepted Mr Shinseki's resignation.
The move came after a growing number of Democrats and Republicans in Congress, as well as some veterans' groups, had called for his removal.
Mr Obama said he accepted the resignation of the 71-year-old retired army general after being briefed on the initial findings of an investigation into abuses that were found in Phoenix and later identified at other facilities across the country.
Mr Obama praised Mr Shinseki’s military career and accomplishments at the veterans affairs department, including tackling post-traumatic stress syndrome and homelessness among veterans.
“Ric’s commitment to our veterans is unquestioned. His service to our country is exemplary,” Mr Obama said.
“He has worked hard to investigate and identify the problems with access to care. But, as he told me this morning, the VA needs new leadership to address them.”
The rising number of veterans with combat-related injuries from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars has placed greater demands on the department.
Members of Congress applauded the move as a step towards restoring confidence in the agency.
“The denial of care to our veterans is a national disgrace and it’s fitting that the person who oversees the department of veterans affairs has accepted responsibility for this growing scandal and resigned,” said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell. – (Reuters)