(Reuters) - Embattled Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki, facing calls for his ouster by lawmakers and veterans groups, resigned on Friday after taking responsibility for a healthcare scandal over delays in medical care for U.S. veterans.
President Barack Obama said he accepted the resignation of the soft-spoken, 71-year-old retired Army general after being briefed on the initial findings of the investigation into abuses that were initially found in Phoenix but later identified at other facilities across the country.
"A few minutes ago, Secretary Shinseki offered me his own resignation. With considerable regret, I accepted," the president told a news conference, praising Shinseki's military career and accomplishments at the VA, including tackling issues like post-traumatic stress syndrome and homelessness among veterans.
"Ric’s commitment to our veterans is unquestioned. His service to our country is exemplary," Obama said. "He has worked hard to investigate and identify the problems with access to care. But, as he told me this morning, the VA needs new leadership to address them."
The care delay scandal, with inspector general probes now active at 42 VA locations around the country, has put Obama and his Democrats on the defensive ahead of the November congressional elections. Republicans have attacked the administration over the problems, saying it was an example of mismanagement.
Dozens of Democrats, including several senators in tight re-election races, had called for Shinseki to resign following release of the report this week confirming scheduling abuses in Phoenix. Many Republicans were also calling for his ouster and several veterans groups expressed lack of confidence in Shinseki's ability to fix the problems.