President Obama and Senator Kirk Praise Bob McDonald’s Confirmation as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs

President Barack Obama’s Statement on McDonald’s Confirmation:

“I applaud the overwhelming, bipartisan confirmation of Bob McDonald as our next Secretary of Veterans Affairs.  As a veteran himself and a proud member of a military family, Bob is deeply committed to serving our veterans and their families.  And as an executive with decades of private-sector experience, he is uniquely equipped to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, and to help change the way the VA does business.  As a country, we have a solemn duty to serve our veterans as well as they have served us.  I know Bob will help us honor that commitment and make sure every veteran gets the care they deserve, the benefits they’ve earned, and the chance to pursue the American Dream they’ve risked so much to protect.”

Kirk Praises McDonald’s Confirmation as VA Secretary; Requests Visit to IL’s 5 VA Hospitals

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) released the following statement following Robert McDonald’s confirmation as Secretary for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Earlier this month, Senator Kirk and McDonald met to discuss his priorities at the VA, if confirmed, and what can be done to eliminate the culture of corruption and abuse that has permeated the agency, in particular at Illinois VA Hospitals like Hines VA in Maywood.

Last Friday, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Rob Nabors met with Senator Kirk, federal elected officials and Hines VA staff, including Director Joan Ricard to discuss the ongoing corruption at Hines, and to continue the push for necessary reforms within the VA. At Senator Kirk’s urging, Nabors met with several whistleblowers and VA patient Michael Swan, to further discuss their frustration with the agency, and in Swan’s case, how his health had suffered dramatically due to the inadequacy of care during two years of waiting for appointments.

“I spoke to Robert McDonald personally about the corrupt behavior perpetrated by the leadership at Hines which I heard about first hand: leadership handing out $16.6 million in bonuses while vets were put on secret wait lists, vets waiting for appointments for years, tests going unread, cases of eggregious malpractice going unnoticed and cases of wrongful death due to untimely care,” Senator Kirk said.  “After our conversation, I was assured that Robert has the private sector experience, leadership acumen and courage needed to reform the agency that has contributed to the abuse of Illinois veterans – especially at the Hines VA, where Director Joan Ricard has perpetuated this culture of corruption.  I look forward to having Robert McDonald visit Illinois’ five VA hospitals as Secretary, and will continue to hold VA officials and employees accountable for the care our nation’s heroes are receiving.”