A Department of Veterans Affairs employee who told Congress the agency was using unauthorized wait lists for mental health care in Colorado has resigned, saying he was subjected to retaliation for speaking up.

Brian Smothers told The Associated Press Wednesday the VA had opened two separate inquiries into his actions and tried to get him to sign a statement saying he had broken VA rules. He says he refused.

Smothers also says the VA reassigned him to an office with no computer access, no significant duties and no social contact. He resigned Tuesday.

VA officials had no immediate comment on Smothers' retaliation claim but said the agency doesn't tolerate retaliation.

Smothers alleges VA clinics in Colorado used unauthorized wait lists that hid how long veterans must wait for treatment.