Congressman Biggs Conducts Oversight Over Concerns of Inaccurate Data Reporting by the Department of Veterans Affairs

This week, Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis R. McDonough to conduct oversight over concerns that the VA may be severely undercounting veteran suicide rates. A September 2022 interim report from America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP) indicates that the veteran suicide rate from 2014-2018 may be 37% greater than what was reported by the VA. Congressman Biggs’s letter requests answers from the VA concerning the discrepancies between the data reported by AWP and the VA’s data.

"The brave men and women who have made the sacrifice to selflessly serve our nation deserve only the best care once they fulfill their duties. The VA should always ensure that our veterans receive the caliber of care to which they are entitled. This begins with sound data collection and reporting. 

"The large discrepancy in reported data of veteran suicide rates raises concerns that veterans are not receiving the help they are promised by the VA. Incorrect data can lead to misallocation of resources in veteran care and reduced effectiveness of VA programs. I am committed to safeguarding the health of our nation’s veterans through oversight of the federal agency tasked with their care. 

"I am thankful to my colleagues for their support on this letter, and I look forward to answers provided by the VA about this important issue," said Congressman Biggs.

Cosigners of the letter are: Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL), Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NY), Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL), Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL), Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX), Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL), Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC), Rep. Russel Fry (R-SC), Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV), Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA), Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY), Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN), Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX), Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Rep. Bob Good (R-VA), Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK), and Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL).

The letter may be read here.