July 25, 2014

Ranking Member Michaud Meets with VA Nominee Bob McDonald

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud (D-ME), Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, met this morning with Robert McDonald, nominee for VA Secretary, to discuss McDonald’s vision and leadership plans should he be confirmed to take over the agency. Michaud released the following statement after the meeting:

“I appreciate Bob McDonald sharing with me his vision for the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is time for the VA to begin a new chapter: one in which there is a culture that encourages employees to always do the right thing, in which the needs of veterans are prioritized above all else, and one in which new levels of transparency ensure we always have a sense of what is working well, and where we need to course-correct. I believe Bob McDonald is the right leader for the VA at this critical moment, and I thank him for having the courage to stand up during these challenging times.

“The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs has held many hearings over the past few weeks, and the information we have learned during those hearings all points to one recurring theme: The VA may deliver good care to veterans once they are actually in the system, but the processes in place to get veterans in the door are badly broken. I believe Bob McDonald’s business background will uniquely suit him to quickly identify and adopt best practices, and adapt appropriately when things aren’t working as they should. Most importantly, I believe Bob McDonald understands that improving the VA is not something we are going to do overnight: it is a long-term process that requires continued commitment, engagement and oversight from all of us.”

The Senate is expected to vote on McDonald’s nomination next week.