The American Federation of Government Employees has sent a
letter to the Department of Justice requesting a criminal
investigation of Department of Veterans Affairs management
for trying to use funds appropriated for the Veterans Health
Administration to fund outsourcing studies.
The union called for an immediate criminal investigation of
current VA management for violating a section of United
States code that prohibits appropriated health care dollars to
pay for outsourcing studies, as well as the anti-deficiency
act, which makes it illegal to make or authorize an unfunded
expenditure.
In July 2003, AFGE sent a cease and desist letter to then
secretary Anthony J. Principi, stating that the department’s
use of funds was illegal.
Last month the Government Accountability Office issued a report
saying VA has been improperly using funds that had been
appropriated for the health care of veterans. VA has denied any
wrongdoing.
“We believe that only a proper and thorough criminal investigation
and appropriate prosecution will deter VA management from
continuing its violation of the law,” said union president John
age in the letter to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
