VA 'will not be privatized under my watch,' Cabinet nominee says in clash with Trump team

[DonViejo]

By Lisa Rein February 1 at 5:35 PM

David Shulkin, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, said at his confirmation hearing Wednesday that he would seek “major reform and a transformation of VA” — but would not privatize the federal health care system for veterans.

“There will be far greater accountability, dramatically improved access, responsiveness and expanded care options,” Shulkin told the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “But the Department of Veterans Affairs will not be privatized under my watch.”

His opposition to turning over vast parts of the system to private doctors and approach seeking gradual changes at an agency still reeling from a 2014 scandal over patient wait times puts Shulkin at odds with Trump advisers and some Republican lawmakers who are pressing for more drastic reform, particularly more private care.

But Shulkin, now serving as VA undersecretary in charge of the veterans’ health system, is likely headed for swift confirmation by the Senate, say Republican and Democratic aides. He would be the only holdover from the Obama administration to serve in Trump’s Cabinet.

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/02/01/va-will-not-be-privatized-under-my-watch-cabinet-nominee-says-in-clash-with-trump-team/?utm_term=.8735af6d6b92&wpisrc=nl_politics&wpmm=1

[Docreed2003]

1. K&R&Bookmarked so I can comment later! ;-)

[alarimer]

2. I wish this guy well, but he won't last long in Trump's cabinet

Not when he goes against Trump. It's unfortunate because having opposing views isn't always a bad thing. Many Presidents (including Obama) have had people from other parties in their cabinets. With Trump, I'm not sure it's a matter of party, but ANY opposition view will get you canned.

[yurbud]

3. maybe if he skips cabinet meetings...out of sight out of mind