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. @DenisMcDonough, Joe Biden's pick for @DeptVetAffairs secretary, will testify soon at his confirmation hearing before the Senate VA committee. This will be the first time @SenatorTester leads the committee as chairman. Watch here and follow along. https://www.c-span.org/video/?507864-1/veterans-affairs-secretary-nominee-denis-mcdonough-testifies-confirmation-hearing
Confirmation hearing for @DenisMcDonough starting now. In his opening testimony, he wrote that "getting our veterans through this pandemic" is top priority. His time in government has shown him how to "untangle and solve large, complex challenges" within agencies, he adds.
Other priorities listed by @DenisMcDonough: making the VA more welcoming for women, minority and LGBTQ veterans, working to eliminate veteran homelessness, reducing veteran suicide, building trust, helping veterans transition to civilian life.
@DenisMcDonough on the job of @DeptVetAffairs secretary & his priorities: "This won’t be easy. The [VA] faces great challenges—challenges made even more daunting by the coronavirus pandemic. Its capabilities have not always risen to the needs of our veterans.”
. @DenisMcDonough also said that he plans to work in a bipartisan way with Congress, emulating the partnership between @JerryMoran and @SenatorTester, leaders of the Senate VA Committee.
. @SenatorTester officially takes the helm of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and gives @DenisMcDonough a clear task as the potential leader of @DeptVetAffairs:
"Denis, your chief responsibility during this unprecedented time will be to save as many lives as possible."
"Denis, your chief responsibility during this unprecedented time will be to save as many lives as possible."
. @SenatorTester: "In the end, we all want you to succeed because veterans across this country need you to succeed."
The @DeptVetAffairs is the second-largest federal agency and operates America's largest health care system. Here's a quick rundown of the challenges @DenisMcDonough faces if confirmed as secretary.
. @SenAmyKlobuchar is at the committee room to introduce @DenisMcDonough, a "fellow Minnesotan."
"He is an adept manager who understands how to tackle complex challenges throughout our government, which will be vital for the next secretary," she says.
"He is an adept manager who understands how to tackle complex challenges throughout our government, which will be vital for the next secretary," she says.
. @SenAmyKlobuchar's message to veterans about @DenisMcDonough: "He will listen, and he will get things done for you."
. @DenisMcDonough delivering his opening statement now, acknowledges "I am not a veteran." If confirmed, he'll become only the second VA secretary to not be a veteran. The first was David Shulkin, appointed by former President Trump at the start of his presidency.
As @DenisMcDonough delivers his opening statement, here’s our initial rundown on what it says: https://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/top-priority-for-va-secretary-nominee-is-getting-veterans-through-pandemic-1.660036
The Q&A portion starts with @SenatorTester asking why @DenisMcDonough wants this job.
"Having witnessed the tremendous service, excellence and sacrifice of our service members and veterans... I have great passion for making sure we treat them as well as they've treated us."
"Having witnessed the tremendous service, excellence and sacrifice of our service members and veterans... I have great passion for making sure we treat them as well as they've treated us."
. @DenisMcDonough says he has a very good relationship with Biden and would "vigorously make my case" when there's a disagreement between him and the president.
Regarding the VA's Covid-19 response, @DenisMcDonough says he wants to improve communication with veterans and VA employees and improve access to vaccines and health care for vets infected with the virus.
. @JerryMoran's first question is about the power of the executive branch. He's concerned McDonough and Biden intend to "erode community care" by restricting veterans' eligibility to go to private-sector doctors.
. @DenisMcDonough on private-sector care for veterans: "Community care will continue to be a key part of how the department cares for our veterans. As it relates to access standards... I will work on those fully in consultation with you."
. @JohnBoozman asks about veteran suicide. @DenisMcDonough responds: "The crisis facing the country related to veteran suicide is tragic. The first and most important thing I will do if confirmed is underscore that comprehensive health for our veterans includes mental health."
. @DenisMcDonough has said a few times now that with every decision he and his team make at the @DeptVetAffairs, he'll ask, "Are the decisions we're taking increasing access for veterans and are they improving outcomes for veterans?"
One of the perks of covering this hearing from home and not the hearing room: my fiancé just brought me a PB&J to get me through
. @maziehirono asks about Biden's goal to administer 100 million coronavirus vaccines in 100 days.
@DenisMcDonough: "I will demand a seat at the table, and I will be a staunch and fierce advocate for veterans getting access."
@DenisMcDonough: "I will demand a seat at the table, and I will be a staunch and fierce advocate for veterans getting access."
. @SenBlumenthal brings up the fact that many veterans were part of the mob that stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, bringing up that veterans are often the target of misinformation.
. @DenisMcDonough's response: "It’s as important as an assignment to protect our democracy as any. I could see a variety of opportunities for the VA to be an important actor in those efforts." He says he would work with other agencies to make sure it's on their radar.
