VA Nominee Confirmed by Senate Panel

The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee unanimously approved the nomination of Robert A. McDonald, the corporate executive whom President Obama selected to serve as the next secretary of Veterans’ Affairs, July 23. The action came a day after McDonald outlined his vision for changing the beleaguered agency during a July 22 hearing of the committee. “My charge will be to provide veterans the care they have earned in the most effective way possible,” McDonald told the panel. He promised to seek input from VA employees regarding issues that need to be addressed. “It will be important to … reward those that constructively come forward to solve problems,” said McDonald, a West Point graduate and former Army Ranger who now is chief executive officer of Procter and Gamble Company. His nomination is headed for a vote by the full Senate.