AKAKA URGES SHINSEKI TO TERMINATE CONTRACT WITH UNIVERSITY AFTER INVESTIGATION REVEALS BREACH OF TERMS

IG finds VA in error and University in breach of $15 million contract on Gulf War Illness



WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) reacted to the findings of VA’s Inspector General regarding the Department’s award of a $15 million sole-source contract to research Gulf War Illness to a University which then breached the terms of the contract.

“Unless the Department terminates this contract with the University, it risks setting a precedent that VA contracts can be ignored regardless of the legal or fiscal impact or the consequences for veterans.

“An untold number of servicemembers returned from the first Gulf War with significant health concerns that are still not understood. VA must secure the remaining funds from the $15 million contract and dedicate that funding to research that will help the Department better understand and treat the illnesses of Gulf War veterans.”

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END of Official Release by Senator Daniel Akaka