David Shulkin: “We are very grateful for Congress' leadership in providing us the Choice program.”

Slowing down and pausing to see what the consequences are, even if they are unintended consequences, is important to do.

This is a tough job for anybody to do. What the successful secretary needs to do is to build a team around them because this is bigger than any one person, and to work very collaboratively with veteran service organizations and Congress.

I believe strongly, Anderson, that when it comes to V.A. and national security, we can't make this a political issue.

The VISN model was put in place close to 20 years ago, a very innovative model that has served VA well.