Tense: ABC Reporter Takes on Jay Carney Over ‘Accountability’ in Growing VA Scandal

ABC reporter Jonathan Karl pressed White House press secretary Jay Carney in a tense exchange on Monday over the U.S. Veterans Affairs scandal and whether there has been any real "accountability."

Discussing the recent resignation of VA Undersecretary of Health Dr. Robert Petzel, Karl asked Carney how the resignation could be considered "accountability when the VA put out a press release on September 20 saying he was leaving."

“That’s almost eight months ago,” Karl added. “In fact, his predecessor was nominated two weeks ago.”

ABC's Jonathan Karl

When Carney brought up the American Legion’s statement, Karl interrupted him and clarified he wants to know what the White House has to say. However, Carney again referred to the American Legion.

“Well, I would point you to the American Legion, which obviously has a deep interest in this matter and has been reported on significantly by your network and others in terms of what they’ve said about this issue,” Carney replied. “And note that they look at Dr. Petzel’s resignation as, quote, ‘a step towards addressing the leadership problem with the VA.’ I’ll leave it at that. Those are the words that they said.”

Attorney General Eric Holder said last week that there were no immediate plans to launch a federal investigation.

TheBlaze’s Becket Adams has more on the VA scandal:

The VA has been embroiled in scandal following allegations that at least two facilities, one in Phoenix and one in Fort Collins, Colorado, falsified data to hide long wait times for veterans seeking medical attention.

Reports of widespread mismanagement have prompted several lawmakers and veterans advocacy groups to call on VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to step down from his post.

[…]

Shinseki has agreed to testify before Congress about reports that at least 40 veterans have died awaiting medical treatment.

(H/T: Free Beacon)