Pelosi Statement on the Nomination of Robert Wilkie for VA Secretary

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Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on President Trump’s abrupt announcement that Robert Wilkie will be nominated for Secretary of Veterans Affairs:

“The Trump Administration’s continued failure to ensure steady, qualified leadership across the VA has undermined its ongoing transformation of care for our nation’s veterans.  It is yet another troubling sign of the White House’s ultimate goal of VA privatization.

“As the Senate reviews whether Acting Secretary Wilkie has the character and capacity for this role, he will be responsible for continuing the work of his predecessors in modernizing the second largest federal agency while facing a looming budget shortfall.  He must unequivocally reject the dark cloud of ideologues that plague this Administration and the President’s open embrace of the Koch Brothers-led forces’ efforts to dismantle veterans’ health care.

“Acting Secretary Wilkie must be a partner in the long history of bipartisanship around veterans’ issues in Congress as we continue our work to improve accessibility, reduce wait times and provide critical care and benefits to all who have served.  Democrats will continue to defend VA’s core mission as the chief coordinator, provider and advocate for all who have bravely served.  Just as the military pledges to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield, we must leave no veteran behind when they return home.”