Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released this statement following the announcement that the Department of Defense has announced the resignation of Army Secretary Francis Harvey.
Harvey’s resignation comes following reports of substandard conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center .
“I am very concerned about the reported conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center . The conditions suggest inexcusable mismanagement of a facility that should be providing the very best care and rehabilitation of wounded veterans.
“Secretary Harvey’s resignation and the dismissal of Major General Weightman from his command overseeing the veterans’ hospital will help begin to restore the trust and confidence that has been lost in the wake of the revelation of these unacceptable conditions.
“As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I have asked committee leaders to thoroughly investigate conditions at Walter Reed, and a hearing has been scheduled for next week. In addition, I am pleased that the President will announce the formation of a bipartisan Presidential Commission that will review and make recommendations to improve the care we are providing our wounded service members.
“We must ensure that the brave men and women who return from Iraq and Afghanistan are provided with the medical and psychological support they need and are treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve – which certainly includes receiving excellent care and living conditions as they recover.”
###