Pelosi Statement on Nomination of Robert McDonald to Head VA

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after President Obama announced he will nominate former Procter & Gamble CEO Robert McDonald to be the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs:

"Robert McDonald brings strong and focused leadership to a critical moment for the Department of Veterans Affairs. With the uncompromising insistence of excellence instilled in him at West Point and the managerial expertise developed over decades of private-sector experience, McDonald is just the person to implement and oversee systemic reforms needed at the VA.

"Our nation makes a solemn promise to every man and woman who puts on the uniform: just as the military leaves no one behind on the battlefield, we will leave no veteran behind when they come home. We must do more to honor that promise, and ensure that all our veterans have timely access to the health care and benefits they have earned.

"Only with a sustained and unwavering commitment to search for constructive and entrepreneurial solutions can we solve the problem at hand. Congress looks forward to partnering with McDonald as we act to reform and strengthen the VA, improve access to care, and serve our veterans as well as they have served us."

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