Portman Says More Money Won't Solve VA Problems

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman says it would be a disservice to veterans to suggest that solving problems such as the waiting lists and fraudulent appointments simply requires pouring more money into the Veterans Affairs Office. The Republican said during a town hall at the Columbus VA clinic on Friday that fixing such problems is a matter if accountability and efficiency. He spoke the same day a senior White House was scheduled to privately tour the Columbus facility on a fact-finding trip. Portman also planned to discuss a bill he has sponsored to improve the way the military identifies and assesses mental health issues. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki resigned last week amid a growing scandal over patient delays and allegations of falsified waiting lists at VA hospitals and clinics nationwide.