Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


0

Obama Wants Probe of VA Drug Tests

'Outrageous' that suicide-linked drugs were tested on vets

Share

(Newser) – Barack Obama and Republican Sen. John Cornyn are seeking a probe into reports that veterans had been recruited for tests on drugs linked to suicide, ABC News reports. An ABC News/Washington Times story noted that vets were given the anti-smoking drug Chantix in government tests, but for more than three months, VA doctors did not tell patients about possible serious side effects.

"It is outrageous and unacceptable that our government would irresponsibly endanger veterans who have already sacrificed so much for our country," Obama said yesterday. The White House shot back, criticizing the news report, which focused on one veteran. It was irresponsible to take "the experience of this one veteran and trying to leave the impression that this was a situation for all veterans," a spokesman said.

Barack Obama joined Republican Sen. John Cornyn yesterday in demanding an investigation into alleged government drug testing on veterans.
Barack Obama joined Republican Sen. John Cornyn yesterday in demanding an investigation into alleged government drug testing on veterans.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Barack Obama speaks during a gathering of veterans and military families in this file photo. Obama demanded an investigation yesterday, after ABC News reported that suicide-linked drugs were being tested on veterans.
Barack Obama speaks during a gathering of veterans and military families in this file photo. Obama demanded an investigation yesterday, after ABC News reported that suicide-linked drugs were being tested...   (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Barack Obama speaks to veterans groups in this file photo. The White House has denied that veterans were subjected to dangerous government drug tests.
Barack Obama speaks to veterans groups in this file photo. The White House has denied that veterans were subjected to dangerous government drug tests.   (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
OFF THE GRID
11.24.09
Murdoch and Microsoft: The Mice Are Trying to Roar
11.23.09
Books Are Bad for You
0 comments
VIEWING:
 
LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

2 Stories

Vets Used to Test Drugs Linked to Suicide

VA accused of treating troubled patients like 'lab rats'

Jun 17, 08 2:33 PM CDT
(Newser) - Combat veterans suffering post-traumatic stress disorder were recruited for clinical trials of drugs linked to suicide and mental disorders, ABC reports. In a trial involving the smoking-cessation drug Chantix, the VA did not warn patients of the drug's serious potential side effects until 3 months after the FDA and the... More »

MORE ABOUT:
veterans • Department of Veterans Affairs • PTSD • clinical trials • Chantix • Food and Drug Administration • Veterans Administration

Military Families Sue VA Over Suicides

Agency doesn't do enough for veterans' mental health, suit says

Apr 21, 08 11:45 AM CDT
(Newser) - Veterans Affairs hasn’t done enough to stem the “rising tide” of suicides and mental health problems, according to a class action lawsuit going to trial this week. Roughly 20% of deployed US troops are suffering from mental illness, a recent study shows, and an average of 18 kill... More »

MORE ABOUT:
military • veterans • suicide • veterans' benefits • veterans' health care • lawsuit • Department of Veterans Affairs • PTSD

2 Stories


VA drug testing: Read the original report
Washington Times

Obama's letter in response to drug testing
Washington Times


Science & Health  •  Politics  •  US 
TwitterFollow @NewserScience on Twitter

 
Barack Obama • veterans • suicide • veterans' health care • White House • John Cornyn • ABC News • Chantix • Veterans Administration

from our news partners