WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a former naval flight officer and retired Navy captain, released the following statement on the Department Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General report regarding the Wilmington VA Medical Center.

“While I am frustrated that its release took two years, this report is an important step toward restoring the trust of veterans and taxpayers in the VA healthcare system in Delaware and across the country. I will now study the findings in full detail, and look forward to reviewing them with the leadership of the Wilmington VA Medical Center.”

“When the VA fails to deliver high-quality and timely health care to our veterans, it fails to deliver on an important promise that our nation has made to recognize these men and women for their service to our country. As a 23-year veteran of the Navy, I am deeply upset by this failure.

“I know I am joined by many in my frustration that the VA remains a work-in-progress, but I believe that we must channel that frustration into action. Over the past two years, it is my understanding that the Wilmington VAMC leadership has taken corrective action to improve services for our veterans. These are important steps in the right direction, and we must now turn our attention to what steps lie ahead.”