McConnell on the Nomination of Lt. General James Peake
October 30, 2007
Washington, D.C. – U. S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement Tuesday regarding the President’s nomination of Lt. General James Peake (Ret.) as Secretary of Veterans Affairs:
“The men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our security and freedom represent the best our country has to offer. We hold our veterans in the highest regard and it is my expectation that the new Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs will work every day to ensure they have the best care in the world, and to identify and correct any areas where the VA has fallen short in its duty to our nation’s veterans.
“In meeting with Gen. Peake I will ensure he is a worthy advocate for the men and women who have served our country. The Senate must do its part and consider the nomination of Gen. Peake through a fair but complete hearing and floor debate—followed by a vote—so that our veterans continue to receive the care and attention they deserve.”
Background
Lt. General James Peake, a board certified general and thoracic surgeon, served as the Surgeon General of the Army and Commander of the United States Medical Command from 2000 to 2004. After retiring from U.S. Army Medical Corps, Dr. Peake was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Project HOPE, a nonprofit health foundation.
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