WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, made the following statement upon hearing of the resignation of Vice Admiral Daniel L. Cooper (Ret.) as Under Secretary for Benefits.

"Admiral Cooper always put the needs of our Nation's veterans at the top of his agenda.  His tireless work as Chairman of the Claims Processing Task Force and for the last six years as Under Secretary for Benefits has been of great assistance to me personally and to our Nation's veterans.  I wish him the best in his future," Akaka said. 

Chairman Akaka also urged the President to nominate a new Under Secretary for Benefits quickly.

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February 28, 2008