Heinrich Statement On Confirmation Of Robert McDonald As Secretary Of Veterans Affairs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement today after voting to confirm Robert McDonald as the next U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA):

"Robert McDonald's military and private sector experience will help him provide the leadership and management needed at the VA. I am confident he will contribute to restoring accountability and transparency at the Department of Veterans Affairs and also hire a well-qualified permanent director at the New Mexico VA Medical Center. Addressing the unique challenges veterans in a rural state like New Mexico face, such as making Community Based Outpatient Clinics more accessible, must remain a high priority. Our nation's veterans deserve the best health care our country has to offer, and I look forward to working with Secretary McDonald to ensure we fulfill that promise."

Senator Heinrich met with McDonald last week where they discussed ways to improve veteran care and address systemic problems at the VA.

McDonald recently retired after 33 years as Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Proctor & Gamble (P&G). A graduate of West Point, McDonald served as a U.S. Army Captain in the 82nd Airborne Division, and received the Meritorious Service Medal from the U.S. Naval Academy.

Robert McDonald was confirmed by a vote of 97 to 0.