Robert Wilkie received Senate confirmation as the new Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday, July 23, by an 86-9 vote.
Wilkie had been acting secretary since David Shulkin, MD, was fired by President Donald Trump in March. Trump then nominated White House physician Ronny Jackson, MD, for the position, but he withdrew from consideration after allegations of inappropriately prescribing medications and drinking on the job.
The White House welcomed the news, with President Donald Trump congratulating the newest member of his cabinet.
”Mr. Wilkie has dedicated his life to serving his country with honor and pride,” Trump said in a White House statement. “He has displayed great patriotism and a commitment to supporting and empowering America’s armed forces and veterans. Under his leadership, I have no doubt that the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue to make strides in honoring and protecting the heroic men and women who have served our [n]ation with distinction.”
Wilkie had already received Senate confirmation for his previous role as undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness at the Department of Defense. But the nine votes against his confirmation marked the first time any senators have opposed a VA nominee.
Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, was one of those who opposed Wilkie. The 2016 presidential candidate, when voting against the nomination in committee, expressed fears Wilkie would move to privatize the VA healthcare system—something strongly opposed by those on the left.
During his confirmation hearing, Wilkie responded directly to Sanders, promising such a move would be a non-starter.
“My commitment to you is that I will oppose efforts to privatize the VA,” he said.
Wilkie will oversee the government’s second largest department, with a workforce of more than 360,000 covering healthcare for more than nine million enrolled veterans.
Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.