(U.S. Senate) – Chairman Jon Tester led a unanimous vote of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee today in support of Denis R. McDonough, President Joe Biden’s nominee to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA). The nomination now heads to the Senate floor for a confirmation vote by the full chamber. 

“Denis McDonough has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to public service and a deep understanding that taking care of our veterans is a cost of war,” said Chairman Tester. “Though there is a great political divide in this nation, veterans across the country and members on both sides of the aisle are united by a very basic expectation: that the next VA Secretary be an individual of honesty, integrity, and vision. As long as McDonough maintains good communication with me and the committee—and remains squarely focused on doing right by our veterans—then I have no doubt that he will be successful in this role.”

Tester led a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing last week to consider McDonough’s nomination. During the hearing, Tester pressed McDonough on the responsibility of leading the nation’s second largest federal agency and challenged him to address a number of issues at the Department. McDonough pledged to prioritize living up to the promises made to all veterans.