Senator Murray’s Statement on President Trump’s Intention to Nominate Robert Wilkie to be Next VA Secretary

Senator Murray: To earn my support, any VA nominee must unequivocally oppose any VA privatization efforts

(Washington DC)  – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, released the following statement after President Trump announced he intends to nominate Robert Wilkie to be VA Secretary. Wilkie is currently the Acting Secretary of VA.

“The men and women who served our country deserve a highly-qualified leader who puts veterans’ needs first, above all else. I’ve been very clear with President Trump about my expectations for the next VA Secretary, not the least of which is an unequivocal opposition to privatizing or in any way degrading the VA system. It’s also critical for a VA Secretary to demonstrate independence and an ability to withstand any political pressure to act in a way that doesn’t serve the millions of veterans who get their care through the VA. I look forward to reviewing Mr. Wilkie’s record and hearing more about his values and his vision for the position in order to determine whether he is up to the task of being our nation’s next VA Secretary.”

Shortly after President Trump fired VA Secretary David Shulkin, Senator Murray sent a letter to the president outlining her expectations of any future VA Secretary nominee. You can read the letter AQUÍ.