The Senate on Monday easily confirmed physician David Shulkin to be secretary of Veterans Affairs, charged with delivering on President Donald Trump's campaign promises to fix long-standing problems at the department. Shulkin secured the backing of Senate Democrats after pledging at his confirmation hearing to always protect veterans' interests, even if it meant disagreeing at times with Trump. Trump had made accountability and rooting out wrongdoing a cornerstone of VA reforms, having called the department "the most corrupt." Shulkin has acknowledged that Congress should hold him to a higher standard of faster results as a former VA official who has laid initial groundwork for changes. Shulkin is urging a more integrated VA network where veterans could seek outside private care only in coordination with the VA.

Source: ABC News February 14, 2017 00:56 UTC