Sen. Tom Coburn, M.D, (R-OK) released a study on the state of the Veterans Affairs hospitals. It shows a culture where VA employees behave as if they are above the law and mismanage billions of dollars, while Congress is absent from overseeing the bureaucracy. Since 2001, the hospital system has paid out nearly $1 billion in malpractice claims, according to the study titled “Friendly Fire: Death, Delay and Dismay at The VA.” More than 1,000 veterans have allegedly died due to VA negligence. “This reports shows the problems at the VA are worse than anyone imagined,” Coburn said. “The scope of the VA’s incompetence – and Congress’ indifferent oversight – is breathtaking and disturbing. This investigation found the problems at the VA are far deeper than just scheduling. … As is typical with any bureaucracy, the excuse for not being able to meet goals is a lack of resources. But this is not the case at the VA where spending has increased rapidly in recent years.” More…