February 01, 2018

Rep. Correa Calls On President Trump To Appoint Veterans Affairs Top Officials

Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Correa wrote to President Donald J. Trump expressing his concern, that the White House had not nominated candidates for senior-level positions at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

“It is essential that the Administration nominate qualified, experienced candidates to fill these crucial posts, which have been without permanent leadership for far too long.”

Read the letter:

Mr. President:

I write to express my concern, as a Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, that the White House has not yet nominated candidates for senior-level positions at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, more than a year into your presidency; both the Under Secretary for Health and Under Secretary for Benefits. It is essential that the Administration nominate qualified, experienced candidates to fill these crucial posts, which have been without permanent leadership for far too long.

The Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health is directly responsible for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)—the largest integrated health care system in the United States; VHA provides health care services to more than nine million enrolled veterans each year at 170 medical centers and over 1,000 outpatient clinics. As VHA continues to implement wide-reaching reform to improve the delivery of that care, it is important that the Administration prioritize the need for a permanent, Senate-confirmed Under Secretary for Health.

The Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Benefits is another critical position at the Department. The Under Secretary for Benefits oversees the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), which is responsible for the provision of non-medical programs. This includes disability compensation, education assistance, home loan guaranty, and vocational rehabilitation services. Veterans depend upon these programs to successfully transition to civilian life. With nearly $96 billion in direct benefits provided to veterans and their dependents, this position cannot remain without permanent leadership.

While I recognize that both positions currently have “acting” executives, the lack of Senate-confirmed leadership is of great concern. This scenario results in temporary stewards who may not be fully empowered to pursue and implement strategic planning or action. It is my understanding that a commission will convene soon to determine potential candidates for Under Secretary of Health and that a separate commission has already provided the White House with a shortlist of candidates for Under Secretary of Benefits.

Though I am pleased to hear that the Administration is moving forward on these pressing items, I urge your Administration to nominate suitable individuals in a more timely manner for both the positions of Under Secretary for Benefits and Under Secretary for Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Sincerely,

J. Luis Correa

Member of Congress