WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs unanimously approved the nomination of four nominees to join Secretary Shinseki’s leadership team at the Department of Veterans Affairs: Roger W. Baker, to be Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology; Will A. Gunn, to be General Counsel; Jose D. Riojas, to be Assistant Secretary for Operations, Security, and Preparedness; and John U. Sepulveda, to be Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration.

Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) issued the following statement after the vote:

“VA needs a confirmed leadership team to implement the changes President Obama and Secretary Shinseki have pledged for veterans and their families.  I urge my Senate colleagues to approve their nominations without delay.”

Last week, Akaka chaired a hearing to review the four nominees.  The nominations now move to the Senate floor for a final confirmation vote.

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May 12, 2009