
During a phone call Thursday with U.S. Senator Tim Johnson, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki agreed to meet with representatives from the Save the VA Committee regarding the Hot Springs VA Medical Center.
Johnson, Chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, will host the January meeting in Washington, DC and will invite the other members of the South Dakota Congressional delegation to participate.
Wednesday, the congressional delegation sent out letters expressing their disappointment when Shinseki declined a personal meeting with Save the VA, offering only a sit-down with an under secretary of the VA.
"I spoke with Secretary Shinseki today and emphasized how important it is that he meet with the Save the VA representatives. He agreed to my request and I am looking forward to the discussion," said Johnson. "This meeting will ensure that Secretary Shinseki hears directly from our veterans and area communities."