Staff Reports
A disturbing new report has uncovered that funds designated to address critical staff shortages within Veterans Affairs were used for lavish bonuses for senior executives. According to the report, over 180 executives received bonuses totaling nearly $11 million last year. VA Undersecretary for Health Shereef Elnahal approved bonuses for 148 executives averaging over $60,000, while Joshua Jacobs from the Veterans Benefits Administration gave 34 executives bonuses worth $50,000 each.
Shockingly, at least seven executives pocketed over $100,000 in bonuses without appropriate justification, and it was reported that Secretary Denis McDonough was not informed about the full extent of these payments until last September. This misuse of funds not only raises concerns about financial responsibility but also damages the trust of veterans, employees, taxpayers, and members of Congress.
Dirty Democrats. Always looking for excuses to get the cash..
Veterans Affairs gave nearly $11 million meant for recruitment and retention to top executives: Watchdoghttps://t.co/VtIHCLZpln— Suzanne Hoskins (@TweettyTweets) May 10, 2024
The report also revealed that the executives did not demonstrate a genuine need for these bonuses, as the turnover rate for top executives was just 2.4%. Furthermore, the VA offices responsible for overseeing these bonuses failed to flag the inappropriate use of funds, indicating a significant lack of leadership and oversight within the organization.
Elnahal claimed he was unaware of the large number of senior executives when he approved the bonuses, but the report contradicts this, showing that he had received an email listing each leader due for a bonus. Additionally, Deputy Counsel for Legal Operations Brent Pope expressed shock at the lack of justification for the bonuses, further highlighting the irresponsibility in handling taxpayer dollars.
Now, Secretary McDonough is working to recover these misallocated funds and is considering disciplinary action against those involved in this egregious misuse of taxpayer money. This report serves as a disturbing reminder of the need for greater accountability and transparency within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
