The American Legion issued the following statement:
American
Legion National Commander Daniel Dellinger expressed hope that
President Obama’s nominee for secretary of the Department of Veterans
Affairs is willing to confront the serious issues facing the department
and “put veterans ahead of the bureaucracy.”
“The American Legion, by its own constitution and bylaws, is prohibited
from endorsing or opposing political nominees,” Dellinger said.
“However, we do look forward to monitoring the confirmation hearings and
listening to Robert McDonald’s plan to correct the policies that have
led to the systemic scandals, and ensure that VA can once again provide
what has been called, ‘the best health care anywhere.’ He will need to
have complete hiring and firing authority, along with a willingness to
see that those who committed illegal acts are prosecuted. The American
Legion, through its System Worth Saving Task Force and policy experts,
is eager to work with the new VA secretary to make the department a
health-care system worthy of the service and sacrifice of the millions
of veterans that it was created to serve.”
veterans
