September 7, 2005

Contact: Jeff Schrade (202)224-9093

(Washington, DC) Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson will brief members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs tomorrow, Thursday, September 8, beginning at 4:15 p.m. Eastern in room 418 of the Senate Russell Building concerning the state of affairs of VA's facilities, patients and employees in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Nicholson has been touring the Gulf Coast area with his staff and should be able to provide the latest information from that hard hit area.

The Secretary will likely be accompanied by Under Secretary for Health Dr. Jonathon Perlin, Under Secretary for Benefits Daniel L. Cooper, and Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Richard A. Wannemacher Jr.

This not a hearing ? and no prepared testimony will be available.

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