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CVA Statement on Withdrawal of Rear Admiral Jackson 

By Concerned Veterans for America

Arlington, Va. —Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) Executive Director Dan Caldwell issued this statement following news that Rear Admiral Ronny Jackson would withdraw his nomination to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“The White House should take its time to carefully select and vet a new nominee for VA Secretary. The VA currently has a competent Acting Secretary in Robert Wilkie who can manage the VA along with the rest of his leadership team while the White House selects a new VA Secretary nominee and the Senate goes through the confirmation process. Considering the tremendous challenges that the last three VA Secretaries have faced, it is important that a capable individual with a high level of integrity is selected for this important cabinet position.

“Additionally, Congress should continue to work on legislation to fix long-standing problems with the VA’s health care system. With the Veterans Choice Program facing yet another budget shortfall, it is absolutely critical that Congress pass legislation in the coming weeks that fixes the VA’s choice and community programs so that up to a million veterans don’t lose access to critical care.”

CVA was recently critical of the omission of compromise language to reform the VA from the Omnibus spending legislation that passed several weeks ago. As a result, the grassroots organization launched an effort encouraging House Veterans Affairs Committee Ranking Member Tim Walz (D-Minn.) to push for similar language, which has enjoyed bipartisan support, to make it through the House urgently.  The direct mail, video and digital effort encouraged Minnesotans to contact Walz’s office. (Click here to read more.

The legislative solution would stabilize the VA choice program, provide for a review and modernization of the VA’s assets and infrastructure, and more.

The group continues to encourage lawmakers to make it a top priority to pass similar language to stabilize the VA and move on to broader reforms.

For further information or an interview, reach Chris Neefus at CNeefus@cv4a.org or (703) 517-4504.