Scott travels Palmetto State listening to vets about VA health system

LEXINGTON, SC (WIS) - Complaints are still coming in about delays in care that lead to more veterans' deaths in South Carolina.

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott crisscrossed the state asking veterans to tell him the truth about the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"It's outrage frankly that ultimately there have been people gaming the system for financial benefit, that is more than a problem I think that's a moral, ethical and perhaps even criminal so we need to figure that out we need to ask the Department of Homeland Security, the PSI committee, the permanent subcommittee on investigations to get involved and see what we can do about that but, outrage, sadness and finally I want to solve this problem," Scott said.     

Scott said he believes the system can be fixed, by changing the culture and eliminating the integrity problems.

On Thursday, the acting Veterans Affairs Secretary traveled to Phoenix, starting the process to remove senior leaders.

Additionally, they'll remove the 14-day scheduling goal from employee performance contracts to eliminate any incentives to engage in inappropriate behavior.

The VA Secretary promised to deploy scheduling training, and continue medical center audits and site inspections.

Senator Scott along with 25 other senators have signed a petition calling for criminal charges.

For Scott, these issues are personal. Scott's father is retired from the US Air Force and two brothers have served decades of active duty in the military.

Another hearing is scheduled before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Monday night to address problems unveiled in Phoenix.

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