MARIETTA, Ga. – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, today released the following statement following Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin’s first ‘State of the VA’ address:

“I appreciate Secretary Shulkin’s commitment to increasing transparency and his honest assessment of the work needed to improve care at the VA. Today’s ‘State of the VA’ address clearly laid out the progress that has been made and steps needed moving forward. When the Senate reconvenes after the Memorial Day state work period, we will vote on a critical piece of VA accountability legislation, and my committee will hold a hearing to discuss the future of the Choice program. I look forward to continuing our work with the administration and Secretary Shulkin to take steps such as these to help ensure that the VA serves our veterans well.” 

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The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs is chaired by U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., in the 115th Congress. Isakson is a veteran himself – having served in the Georgia Air National Guard from 1966-1972 – and has been a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs since he joined the Senate in 2005. Isakson’s home state of Georgia is home to more than a dozen military installations representing each branch of the military as well as more than 750,000 veterans.