Murkowski Votes to Confirm New VA Secretary
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today released the following statement after voting to confirm Robert L. Wilkie to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Wilkie was confirmed by a vote of 86-9.
“Success at the VA means one thing --- and that is serving our veterans. And because Alaska has more veterans per capita than any other state in the U.S., it is especially important that we confirm the right individual to lead this important agency. After scandals and poor reports, it’s more crucial than ever to get the VA back on track,” said Senator Murkowski. “Having served on the National Security Council, and as the Assistant Secretary of Defense, the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, interim Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and even as a staff member in the Senate, Mr. Wilkie is extremely qualified to take on the many opportunities and challenges presented by the VA. I am confident that Mr. Wilkie will use his previous knowledge of Capitol Hill, the Pentagon, and the VA to build upon the momentum that has been created by Congress in these recent months to secure greater care and support for our nation’s heroes.”
(Click here and image for video of Senator Murkowski’s floor speech offering support for the new VA Secretary)
