Senate confirms Trump’s VA pick despite opposition from some Dems
The Senate easily cleared President Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on Monday.
Wilkie’s confirmation gives the VA its first Senate-confirmed secretary since Trump fired David Shulkin in March amid months of controversy over allegations of misusing taxpayer funds.
Questions were temporarily raised about his nomination when The Washington Post reported that Wilkie has worked throughout his career for polarizing lawmakers and officials, whose controversial views he has defended.
Wilkie previously ran military personnel policy at the Pentagon for the Trump administration before serving as acting VA secretary. He stepped down as acting VA secretary after being nominated for secretary.
“My commitment to you is I will oppose efforts to privatize,” Wilkie said, adding that while the VA should be “central” to veterans’ health care there was room for balance with private providers.
Shulkin’s ouster in March reignited speculation that the White House wanted to expand veterans’ access to private-sector health-care providers. Shulkin also blamed his firing on forces within the administration who he said are pushing hard for greater privatization.