WASHINGTON — President Obama’s choice to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs pledged Tuesday to transform the beleaguered agency, saying that “systematic failures” must be addressed. Robert McDonald cited problems with patient access to health care, transparency, accountability and integrity, among other issues.
McDonald, 61, a former Procter & Gamble CEO and an Army veteran, said taking care of veterans is personal for him.
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If confirmed by the Senate, McDonald said he would take a series of actions over his first 90 days “to deliver the needed reforms our veterans deserve.”
He said he plans to lay out a veteran-centered vision for the department and improve communication within the vast agency. His plan includes frequent video conferences with employees and extensive travel to field offices around the country, he said. No opposition surfaced during the 21/2-hour hearing, and senators from both parties said McDonald appeared headed to easy confirmation.
Republican Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas was among a host of Republicans to declare support for McDonald, a Republican who supported GOP nominee Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election.
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