Hoyer Statement on Nomination of Robert McDonald as Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Statement

House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on President Obama's nomination of Robert McDonald as Secretary of Veterans Affairs:

"In nominating Robert McDonald to serve as our next Secretary of Veterans Affairs, President Obama has tapped the expertise and talents of a successful business leader. With over three decades in private sector executive management and a distinguished record as a Captain in the U.S. Army, Secretary-Designate McDonald has the experience needed to confront the challenges facing the VA, an agency that is assessing what key reforms must be made to ensure that all of our veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve.

"I look forward to working with him to improve access to quality health care for veterans and to address the unacceptable claims backlog. I join in thanking Acting Secretary Sloan Gibson for his role in ensuring a smooth transition, and I hope the Senate will take swift action to confirm Secretary-Designate McDonald."

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