Tester statement on confirmation of Robert McDonald to lead VA

Senator: Few folks are better qualified than Bob

(U.S. SENATE) – Senator Jon Tester, Montana’s only member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today released the following statement after the Senate unanimously confirmed Robert McDonald to be the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs:

“Bob has a tough job ahead of him, but few folks in America are better qualified. The new VA reform bill will give Bob more resources to re-shape the VA and improve access to care so all veterans get the high-quality care they earned. I look forward to working with Bob to build a VA worthy of the sacrifices that our military men and women have made.”

Tester, a long-time member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, questioned McDonald at a committee hearing last week. He also helped shape and push for compromise over the VA reform bill that is expected to pass Congress this week.

McDonald, a former CEO of Procter & Gamble, graduated from West Point and served in the U.S. Army. He will replace former Army General Erik Shinseki, who stepped down earlier this year.