Embattled VA head to address homeless group

WASHINGTON (AP) — The embattled Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki (shin-SEHK’-ee) is to address a homeless veterans group on Friday.

Shinseki faces calls to resign from both Republicans and Democrats in Congress because of an escalating scandal about problems in the VA’s nationwide health care system.

The White House says President Barack Obama is waiting for a full investigation into the Department of Veterans Affairs before deciding who to hold responsible.

Support for Shinseki, himself a wounded veteran, is eroding.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel backed off his previously strong support of Shinseki, telling reporters traveling with him in Asia that he will leave it to others to decide if Shinseki has to go.

Shinseki is scheduled to address the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and provide an update on combating veterans homelessness.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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