An internal watchdog found executives got some $11 million in improper bonuses.
In this May 10, 2013, file photo, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seal is shown at the headquarters in Washington, D.C.Bipartisan members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee have fired off a letter to Secretary Denis McDonough alleging that the VA flouted congressional intent when it approved bonuses totaling nearly $11 million to senior executives -- meant for other workers helping process new health benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances.
Senator Jon Tester attends a Senate Appropriations - Subcommittee on Defense hearing to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2025 for the Department of Defense, in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.D., on May 8, 2024.Congress intended that the money be used to hire and retain specialists needed to process billions in new benefits for veterans dealing with health issues from being exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic hazards.
The letter, first obtained by ABC News, says the inspector general referred the cases of nine senior executives to the Justice Department, which declined to pursue a criminal investigation. The senators say they "remain seriously concerned" about what could have been a conflict of interest in which executives chose to dole out bonuses for themselves or their senior peers.
They said they share the concerns of the inspector general and "senior officials who initially raised the alarm" about the awards that were paid out to an "unspecific group of senior executives based in Washington, D.C."The senators are also seeking information on recoupment of the bonuses. Most executives returned the money or agreed to do so in September, but 19 challenged the decision, according to the inspector general report.
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