A congressional investigation has uncovered deeply troubling evidence of sexual misconduct at the Mountain Home VA Medical Center in Tennessee. Rep. Mike Bost, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, described the revealed conduct as "disturbing and disgusting," citing documentation shared by the VA that confirms inappropriate relationships and sexual misconduct occurred on VA property.
The Mountain Home VA Medical Center in Tennessee is under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct among staff. (Google Maps)
Whistleblowers initially brought the allegations to light in July, prompting Rep. Bost to send three letters to VA Secretary Denis McDonough demanding an investigation into the alleged "serious culture problem." The VA has confirmed that the employees implicated in the misconduct are no longer employed by the agency, stating a "zero tolerance" policy for such behavior.
Rep. Mike Bost, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, is leading the investigation into the misconduct. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images, File)
The VA maintains that they acted swiftly upon learning of the allegations, reporting the matter to authorities, initiating their own investigation, and informing Congress. They emphasize their commitment to holding employees accountable and taking immediate action when standards are violated.
However, the House committee's investigation indicates that senior leadership at the Mountain Home facility, who were allegedly aware of the explicit activities, remain employed by the VA. Rep. Bost has pledged to identify those responsible for allowing this behavior to persist and hold them accountable, continuing to press the Biden administration for action.
VA Secretary Denis McDonough has received multiple inquiries from Rep. Bost regarding the allegations. (Craig Hudson for The Washington Post via Getty Images, File)
