Metro East Sun

Today, Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, addressed the subcommittee's hearing on the investigation into the Hampton, Virginia Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Hampton VAMC). This inquiry followed concerns that led to changes in some of the facility’s leadership.

Kiggans opened with a call to order and welcomed witnesses. She requested unanimous consent for Representative Scott to participate in questioning, which was granted without objection.

Kiggans reflected on her congressional journey, noting an unexpected volume of VA-related issues. "Since beginning my first term nearly two years ago, these issues are the most common complaints people call my office about," she stated. Her role as Chairwoman has exposed her to multiple instances of poor leadership and mismanagement within VA facilities, including Hampton VAMC.

In March 2024, Kiggans' district office began receiving reports from whistleblowers concerning Hampton VA’s leadership and Surgical Services Department. These reports included allegations of patient safety issues and hostile work environments. Whistleblowers also claimed that physicians advocating for veterans faced retaliation.

Kiggans initiated an investigation into these claims and engaged with numerous whistleblowers. The findings highlighted various problems such as ineffective leadership, internal disputes among employees, unsanitary surgical operating rooms, and unaddressed patient care concerns.

One alarming revelation was that clinical staff had to clean surgical rooms themselves to maintain sanitary conditions for their patients. Additionally, there were reports of retaliatory actions by VA leadership against those raising patient care concerns.

The facility's staffing levels were also troubling; for instance, Hampton VA reportedly has only one full-time anesthesiologist. This shortage limits surgeries at the facility and necessitates transferring emergency cases elsewhere—a practice Kiggans criticized for increasing risks to patients.

Inspector General Missal's testimony earlier in September corroborated these issues at Hampton VA. Missal indicated that basic processes were not followed by Hampton VA leadership and that VISN 6 was unaware of these problems despite multiple OIG reports since 2022 detailing failures in leadership at Hampton VA.

Kiggans emphasized the need for VISN leaders to regain veteran trust and expressed hope that new leadership at Hampton VA would address these challenges by implementing OIG recommendations effectively under proper oversight from VISN 6.

She concluded by affirming her commitment to working with the VA to ensure progress: "House Republicans have continued to put VA’s feet to the fire to fix these problems at VA facilities nationwide."

Ranking Member Mrvan was then recognized for his opening comments.