Metro East Sun

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost has provided an update on the ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct at the Mountain Home VA Medical Center in Tennessee. The investigation, which began after Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal raised concerns in July, involves claims of sexual harassment, assault, and inappropriate relationships. Whistleblowers have since confirmed these allegations.

Chairman Bost has sent three letters to Secretary McDonough requesting documents and performance reviews related to the case. An oversight team was also dispatched to Tennessee to evaluate the situation. According to information shared with the Committee, misconduct occurred on VA property at Mountain Home. However, senior leaders aware of these activities remain employed by the VA as the investigation continues.

Bost expressed his dismay over the situation: “The sexual misconduct, harassment, and inappropriate interpersonal relationships that were allowed to persist at the Mountain Home VA facility are disturbing and disgusting." He emphasized accountability: "I will continue to fight tooth and nail to urge the Biden administration to hold everyone involved accountable."

Under Bost's leadership, similar issues have been uncovered within other parts of the VA system. Allegations include mismanagement within Atlanta's VA police force and senior leaders in VA’s Office of Resolution Management, Diversity & Inclusion (ORMDI). These cases suggest a pattern of inadequate response from VA leadership regarding serious misconduct.

Bost reiterated his commitment to addressing such issues: "That is exactly why one of my top priorities next Congress will be to work with the Trump administration to pass the Restore VA Accountability Act."