THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON

 

January 15, 2020

The Honorable Mark Takano
Chairman

Committee on Veterans' Affairs
US. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Mr. Chairman:

This letter is in further response to your September 20, 2019, letter to the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding an alleged sexual assault in the atrium of
the Washington, DC VA Medical Center.

On October 16, 2019, I wrote to you with my sentiments about these serious
allegations and described the steps VA is taking to make women Veterans feel more
welcome at VA facilities. i also informed you that VA immediately reported
Ms. Goldstein?s allegations to its independent Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to
conduct a thorough criminal investigation and informed the Deputy Attorney General of
the United States of this most serious allegation. Since that time, VA has cooperated
fully with the OIG and has made repeated requests that Inspector General Michael
Missal or his staff share the results of the OIG investigation so we could assess whether
any further actions are needed.

Based on our most recent discussions with VA Inspector General Missal and
officials in the US. Department of Justice, we understand that the matter is now closed,
and no charges will be ?led. We believe that VA is a safe place for all Veterans to enter
and receive care and services, but the unsubstantiated claims raised by you and your
staff could deter our Veterans from seeking the care they need and deserve. Even prior
to this allegation, VA was conducting education of staff on the proper handling of all
forms of harassment. We will continue these efforts.

Thank you for your continued support of our mission and our Nation?s Veterans.

Sincerely,
78/4? A .. 
Robert L. Wilkie

cc: The Honorable David P. Roe, M.D.
Ranking Member