Senate to confirm VA nominee Tuesday

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced Monday that the Senate would vote on the confirmation of Robert McDonald to be Veterans Affairs Secretary at 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday.

McDonald was nominated by President Obama to head the VA, which has been plagued by a scandal over long wait times for patients and those seeking benefits.

{mosads}Last week, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee cleared McDonald’s nomination in a 14-0 vote.

“In a critical moment, Mr. McDonald is faced with a monumental task to fix the serious systemic and cultural challenges at the VA,” Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) said. “After hearing from him personally, I am confident he will bring his successful management and leadership track record, and his commitment to service, to ensure our nation’s heroes get the benefits and services they have earned.”

McDonald is a former Procter & Gamble executive, who lawmakers are hoping can change the culture of the VA, after an investigation found mismanagement throughout the healthcare system.

Former VA Secretary Eric Shinseki resigned after reports that VA facilities falsified waitlists to hide backlogs in healthcare treatment.

Lawmakers also announced Monday that they’ve reached a deal on legislation that will give the VA secretary more authority to fire employees and build new VA facilities.