Walz, Emmer Upset About Handling of VA Report

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota congressmen are demanding to know why a 2013 investigation that found serious problems with the work environment at the St. Cloud Veterans Affairs Medical Center was quietly shelved.

The investigation validated complaints of a hostile work environment and problems with canceled appointments. But congressional committees that monitor the VA were never told that the report existed.

Democratic U.S. Representative Tim Walz tells the Star Tribune he's disturbed that the VA inspector general may be keeping important information private.

GOP Congressman Tom Emmer says he's considering drafting legislation to require the VA to release all similar future reports.

St. Cloud VA officials say that since the investigation was completed, they 've hired more doctors, decreased patient loads, instituted supervisory training and conducted regular employee town halls to improve communication.