BLUMENTHAL STATEMENT ON CONFIRMATION OF ROBERT MCDONALD AS NEW VETERANS AFFAIRS SECRETARY

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today released the following statement after the Senate voted, 97-0, to confirm Robert McDonald as the new Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs:

“Secretary McDonald brings fresh new leadership to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and he made clear during his confirmation hearing that he recognizes the incredible challenges the VA will face under his leadership,” Blumenthal said. “I pressed him on staff shortages and how he plans to combat unacceptably-long wait times, and I believe he is up to the tall task. Now, as a Congress, we must come together and give Secretary McDonald and all of the men and women who care for our veterans the tools they need to ensure that those who bravely served receive the exceptional care they earned and deserve.”

 Senator Blumenthal is a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.