Some supervisors at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are accused of making unwanted advances and sending sexually harassing messages to workplace subordinate female employees.
The VA's Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection interviewed over 40 witnesses, reviewed over 600 documents, and searched through over 300,000 emails and Microsoft Teams messages, and declared that the department's Office of Resolution Management, Diversity and Inclusion is "replete with misconduct."
"The findings of the report are damning, disturbing and frankly despicable," said Rep. Mike Bost (R-Illinois), the Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
Bost accused Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough of ignoring the claims of sexual harassment and employee intimidation, a charge McDonough denied.
"I assure veterans and this committee that we have treated these allegations of wrongdoing with seriousness. I take this issue very seriously. And I want to be crystal clear. VA does not tolerate sexual harassment," McDonough said during a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday.
The ranking Democrat on the panel, Rep. Mark Takano of California, said the VA supervisors at fault are being held accountable and accused committee Republicans of exaggerating the severity of the alleged misconduct.
The report also found VA leaders engaged in "bullying and abusive behavior."
It recommends disciplinary action against five current and former VA officials, including the firing of one supervisor and seeking repayment for bonuses paid.