Senator Hirono Meets with Denis McDonough, Nominee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) met today with Denis McDonough, President-elect Joe Biden’s nominee for Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Senator Hirono and Mr. McDonough discussed a wide range of concerns regarding the ongoing challenges facing the VA. Mr. McDonough said that he is committed to being an advocate for veterans with a whole-of-government approach to problem solving on behalf of veterans. They agreed there is more to be done to uphold promises made to veterans, and Mr. McDonough agreed that the long-delayed ALOHA Project is an example of how the federal government has fallen short on providing assistance to Hawaii veterans. Senator Hirono expressed her concerns about female veterans not feeling safe or welcome at the VA. Mr. McDonough vowed to reset VA culture around sexual assault, using clear plans and policies. They also discussed the importance of an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic which addresses coronavirus-related delays to veterans receiving care and benefits. In closing, Mr. McDonough assured Senator Hirono that he would appoint and hire individuals, including veterans, who share his problem-solving attitude.

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