Amid mounting criticism and calls for his ousting, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki has resigned, apologizing to veterans and lawmakers for the agency's mismanagement of the nation's veterans hospitals.
Shinseki resigns amid VA scandal over veterans' health care
Calls for Shinseki's resignation had intensified in the wake of an independent review by the inspector general outlining widespread misconduct by VA officials throughout the medical system. With rapidly dwindling support from across the political spectrum, including the White House, Shinseki's resignation seemed inevitable.
In a speech Friday morning to a veterans group, Shinseki apologized and accepted responsibility for his agency's "systemic, totally unacceptable lack of integrity." He then met with President Obama, who said he accepted the retired Army general's resignation "with regret."
