“In his first message to veterans and department staff since his confirmation, Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough promised to base all of his decisions around ‘whether it increases veterans’ access to care and benefits and improves outcomes for them’ as he takes on the task of reforming the massive federal bureaucracy.”
“’At this moment when our country must come together, caring for you, our country’s veterans and your families, is a mission that can unite us all,’ McDonough said in a statement shortly after he was sworn into office Tuesday.”
“’The president has called on every American to embrace our responsibility to support our veterans and their families. So this administration will work with other federal departments and agencies … and with other state and local organizations, both public and private, who have the best interests of veterans and their families at heart.’”
“McDonough, who served as chief of staff under President Barack Obama, is only the second non-veteran to be confirmed to VA’s top leadership role. The Senate voted 87-7 on Monday in favor of his nomination, and Vice President Kamala Harris formally swore him into office less than 18 hours later.”
“Most of the themes in McDonough’s first message as secretary echoed the same promises he outlined in his confirmation hearing last month…” Read the full article here.
Source: New VA secretary promises unity around work to reform veterans programs – By Leo Shane III, February 9, 2021. Military Times.
