Watch CBS News

Daily Talker: Senators Call For Criminal Investigation Into VA Scandal

A group of 21 Senators from both political parties are calling for the Attorney General to launch a criminal investigation into medical care delays at VA hospitals around the country.

"Evidence of secret waiting times, falsification of records, destruction of documents, and other potential criminal wrongdoing has appalled and angered the nation, and imperiled trust and confidence in the Veterans Health Administration," said the letter authored by Sens. John McCain (R-Arizona) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), and signed by another 10 Democrats and 9 Republicans.

The letter comes as an internal audit found more than 57,000 veterans have been waiting for 90 days or more for appointments at VA hospitals. The audit was ordered after 40 patients reportedly died while waiting for care at a VA center in Arizona.

The audit also found that 13% of schedulers reported being told by supervisors to falsify appointment schedules to make the delays appear shorter.

Do you think the audit should lead to criminal charges? Who should be charged? Share your comments below, and watch for them on WBZ News in the Morning from 4:30 to 7:00 a.m.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.