Stefanik, veteran organizations blast Disney wait comments by VA secretary

“The days to an appointment is really not what we should be measuring. What we should be measuring is the veteran’s satisfaction,” McDonald said. “What really counts is how does the veteran feel about their encounter with the VA? When you go to Disney, do they measure the number of hours you wait in line? What is important is, what is your satisfaction with the experience.”

Ms. Stefanik said she was disappointed in Mr. McDonald’s comments and demanded he apologize.

“Our veterans deserve the best care we can provide,” she said, in a statement. “Every day my office works with brave north country veterans trying to navigate the VA and it’s insulting to compare their plight to a Disneyland experience.”

Mr. McDonald’s statements have drawn outrage from multiple lawmakers and veteran organizations, including the American Legion.

The legion’s National Commander Dale Barnett called the comments unfortunate, noting “people don’t die while waiting to go on Space Mountain.”

Mr. McDonald said on Tuesday afternoon that his number one goal was improving access to care.

“If my comments Monday led any Veterans to believe that I, or the dedicated workforce I am privileged to lead, don’t take that noble mission seriously, I deeply regret that. Nothing could be further from the truth,” he said, in a statement. “As we approach the Memorial Day holiday and pay tribute to the sacrifices of courageous men and women who placed the interests of others above their own, we at the VA remain focused on our mission to care for those who bravely served our nation.”