07.23.18

Sullivan Votes to Confirm Robert Wilkie as Next VA Secretary

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, released the following statement after the Senate voted 86 – 9 to confirm Robert Wilkie as the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:

“Today, alongside an overwhelming majority of my colleagues in the Senate, I cast my vote in support of Robert Wilkie to become our next Secretary of Veteran Affairs. Mr. Wilkie brings a level of experience and institutional knowledge necessary to tackle a number of leading issues facing the VA, including the implementation of the VA Mission Act. One of the many challenges facing the VA is the fact that it’s had four secretaries in four years. It’s my hope that Secretary Wilkie will provide a level of certainty and stability needed to ensure Alaska’s 77,000 veterans get the healthcare and benefits they have earned and deserve. As a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I look forward to working closely with Secretary Wilkie and getting him to Alaska to see firsthand the unique challenges facing our veterans.”

The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing to consider Wilkie’s nomination on June 27, and he was approved by the committee on July 10.

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) is the only current member of the U.S. Senate who serves on the Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committees, while also continuing his own military service as a Lt. Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.

 

 

###