03.29.18

Sullivan Statement on VA Secretary

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding President Trump’s announcement that he will be nominating Admiral Ronny Jackson to replace Dr. David Shulkin as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

“I wish to thank Dr. Shulkin for his service and commitment to our veterans and our nation – the Secretary of the VA is one of the most challenging jobs in Washington,” said Senator Sullivan. “As part of his confirmation process in 2015, I invited Dr. Shulkin to Alaska so that he could see and hear from Alaska veterans, and understand the barriers and unique challenges of our state. That visit, where he met with hundreds of Alaskan veterans, instilled in him a commitment to focus on Alaska issues. I will certainly be looking for and requiring that same level of attention and focus on Alaska’s unique needs from President Trump’s new nominee, Admiral Jackson.

“In the coming weeks I look forward to meeting Admiral Jackson and learning more about his management experience and vision that will enable him to run one of the largest, most important and at times most frustrating and difficult bureaucracies in the federal government. Alaskan veterans should know that I will continue to hold the VA accountable until each and every Alaskan veteran gets the healthcare and benefits they earned and deserve.”

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) is the only current member of the U.S. Senate who serves on the Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committees, while also continuing his own military service as a Lt. Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.