Political Quotes

“the Department of Veterans Affairs needs a steady hand to guide the Veterans Health Administration, this Nation's largest integrated healthcare system that delivers quality care and timely care to our veterans, if they have a leader. I rise today because Dr. Shereef Elnahal is that person. He has an impressive record of leading healthcare systems and health agencies. Most recently Dr. Elnahal served as president and CEO of University Hospital in Newark, NJ, and previously as New Jersey's 21st health commissioner. But, more importantly, he is committed to caring for the more than 9 million veterans in VA care, a commitment he has carried out as assistant deputy undersecretary for health and quality, safety, and value at the department. It is no secret that VHA and healthcare systems of providers nationally are going through a challenging time. VA is continuing to battle the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with veterans' cases, hospitalizations and death on the rise again. And VA staff are dealing with burnout and increasing turnover in our VA system. So I am going to tell you, if the people of this body want to help-- want to help veterans, holding this nominee is not the way to help veterans. And I will tell you what, they are actually doing a disservice to veterans and their families by playing political games and preventing permanent healthcare leadership at the VA, which is so critically important.…”