Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Obama Wants Probe of VA Drug Tests

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

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Jun 18, 2008 12:23 PM CDT
Email

(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
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

VA drug testing: Read the original report
Washington Times

Obama's letter in response to drug testing
Washington Times

Health • Politics • US

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

More Newser Stories

Vets Used to Test Drugs Linked to Suicide

Military Families Sue VA Over Suicides
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne