David Shulkin on Wednesday during his confirmation hearing to be the secretary of Veteran Affairs said he would not privatize the department if he is confirmed for the role, Politico reports.
"There will be far greater accountability, dramatically improved access, responsiveness and expanded care options, but the Department of Veterans Affairs will not be privatized under my watch," Shulkin testified before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. He also called the VA a "unique national resource that is worth saving."
Shulkin, the current undersecretary of health, did promise "major reform and a transformation of the VA," though, and said the VA is in "desperate need" of rectifying the huge excess of benefit claims appeals which continue to grow — an issue he pledged to work with Congress on fixing.
"It is a broken process," he said. And "it will not get better without your help."
Most veterans groups have spoken out against privatization, and none of the veterans at the hearing raised their hands when Sen. Thom Tillis asked for a show of hands among those who supported complete privatization.
"I am going to be serious about making these changes and regaining that trust, and if I don't do it, I should be held accountable, and you should replace me," Shulkin told the panel.
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