Nomination of James Nicholson as Secretary of Veterans Affairs

NOMINATION OF JAMES NICOLSON AS SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Statement of Senator Orrin G. Hatch on the Nomination of R. James Nicholson to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Mr. President today I rise in strong support of the nomination of R.James Nicholson to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

At the outset, I would like to thank Mr. Nicholson's predecessor, Anthony Principi, for his service to our nation's veterans. John Furgess, the National Commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said it best when he described Mr. Principi's service to our country. He said that Secretary Principi:

"is a true veterans' advocate… [who] constantly challenged his staff to improve their services to America's 25 million veterans, and his work to address the needs and concerns of today's newest generation of veterans who are fighting the War on Terrorism typifies his vision and leadership. Secretary Principi wore his compassion and commitment to veterans on his sleeve… We applaud him for his service to our country and wish him and his family the best of futures. He will be missed but not forgotten."

Let me turn now to express my admiration and appreciation for the President's choice in nominating Ambassador Nicholson to lead our nation as it strives to support the veterans who have served so tirelessly on behalf of our country. I know Jim Nicholson to be an intelligent, articulate and decent man. As a veteran of some distinction himself, he has an excellent appreciation for the issues the Department faces. And, as an accomplished executive, he is incredibly well-suited to lead this large and important agency. These are trying times for our nation's veterans, as the Vietnam War era veterans begin to retire in greater numbers and our Veterans from the War on Terrorism return our nation must reaffirm its commitment to those who have placed everything on the line for the cause of freedom. I believe that Ambassador Nicholson is an excellent choice to lead our nation's effort to maintain the scared covenants between the nation and its veterans.

A man from humble beginnings, Ambassador Nicholson rose to graduate from West Point and become an Army Ranger who served his country during the Vietnam War. During that conflict he proved his courage in battle and earned the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnamese Cross for Gallantry, two air medals, and, of course, the Combat Infantry Badge. His service to his country did not end there. He went on to serve for 22 years as an Army reservist, retiring with the rank of Colonel. Along the way he received a master's degree in public policy from Columbia University and a law degree from the University of Denver. In Denver, he established a reputation as highly qualified attorney specializing in real estate, municipal finance and zoning law, before becoming a highly successful residential real estate developer.

However his call to service did not end with his years of military service, Ambassador Nicholson entered politics and was elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee. His tenure secured him a reputation as a person of the highest ethics and his current position as Ambassador to the Holy See has been a success.

Mr. President, I feel quite confident that those same skills that made Ambassador Nicholson a successful businessman and ambassador will ensure that our veterans receive the support and care they deserve while maximizing the efficiency of this Department.

Therefore, Mr. President, I hope that I will be joined by my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and quickly confirm Ambassador Nicholson to this vital post.

http://hatch.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=1269&Month=1&Year=2005