Republican Rep. Nick Langworthy, NY-23, released a statement, saying:

"This report reveals a horrifying level of negligence that resulted in veterans experiencing significant delays in the care they desperately needed.

This is not about a lack of resources—this is about sheer incompetence from leadership at the Buffalo VA that left veterans to suffer and, in some cases, lose their lives. I spoke with VA Undersecretary Dr. Shereef Elnahal, who confirmed there will be a disciplinary hearing for those responsible, and I have confidence in his ability to get the Buffalo VA back on the right track. Above all else, we must follow up on real reforms to put veterans first, so they get the timely, quality care they deserve.”

Democratic Rep. Tim Kennedy, NY-26, expressed his own frustration in a statement, saying:

"The egregious neglect and failure of the Buffalo VA leadership outlined in this report is infuriating and inexcusable. Their repeated inattention to provider and patient outcries has led to American heroes being abandoned by a system meant to serve and protect them. This is a complete disgrace and a betrayal to the women and men who have made incredible sacrifices to safeguard our nation. 

Immediate reforms are necessary to ensure that Western New York veterans receive the care, support, and respect they have earned and deserve. Implementing the recommendations in the report is a first step. I am calling for further Congressional oversight, up to and including an investigation, to ensure this failure in care never happens again.

I will not rest until the Buffalo VA has the leadership, staff, facilities, and funding in place to deliver the care that our veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country have earned and deserved.”

VA Press Secretary Terrence Hayes released a statement, saying:

"At the VA Western New York Healthcare System, we are committed to ensuring timely, effective, compassionate, and high-quality care for all Veterans. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG)’s found that we failed to meet our commitment to scheduling community care appointments as timely as we should have. It is unacceptable for any Veteran to have their care delayed, which is why we are taking immediate corrective actions to prevent this from happening again.

We have developed procedures to manage high-risk and complex community care consults to ensure Veterans can get the care that they need when they need it. The Network Director has asked a team of VA Community Care experts to conduct a thorough review of the VA Western New York Healthcare System leadership and how they responded to concerns regarding delayed care. The goal of this review is to evaluate how patient safety was prioritized and make recommendations for how to improve going forward.

Upon learning of concerns raised by clinicians about local leadership and instances of delayed care, VA immediately transferred the Medical Center Director and the Chief of Staff out of clinical- and Veteran-facing positions pending the results of an investigation.

Finally, all community care staff are being monitored to ensure that standardized procedures are followed, and if necessary, training is conducted to correct any issues.

Every Veteran who walks through the doors of the VA Western New York Healthcare System is entitled to world-class care, and no patient should ever have to wait for care they have earned and deserve. Community Care is a vital program to address the complex health care needs of Veterans and we are committed to continuous improvement and accountability in serving Veterans and their health care needs.”