WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today made the following statement after President Obama announced he had accepted the resignation of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki.

“Secretary Shinseki’s resignation does not solve the underlying problems at the VA, but it is a first step toward restoring accountability and implementing the sweeping reforms that the VA system needs. President Obama, all levels of VA management, and both political parties must be engaged in this process to ensure that our veterans receive the high-quality health care they deserve. Unfortunately, the Phoenix scandal was not an isolated failure, and truly fixing the system will require comprehensive leadership and continued vigilance. I wish Secretary Shinseki well after a distinguished military career.”