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Congressional reaction to new problems at John Cochran VA Medical Center

The director of John Cochran VA Medical Center in St. Louis says surgeries could resume next week at the facility. The center stopped performing surgeries because of concerns over contamination on some operating-room equipment. 

Meanwhile, congressional reaction to the new problems has been harsh.

Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill reacted quickly, saying the problems at Cochran must stop and those responsible for the latest issue should be held accountable.

CongressmanRuss Carnahan, who has held hearings about problems at the center, says he wants changes at the VA facility:

“I think it’s high time that we have a top-to-bottom independent review of the management and the facility there to be sure that veterans are getting the care that they have earned.” - Russ Carnahan

Congressman John Shimkus of Collinsville says he’s extremely disappointed by the news, and that another hearing may be necessary, not only in St. Louis, but in Washington, as well.