Peake looks likely for VA confirmation

[unhappycamper]

Peake looks likely for VA confirmation
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Dec 6, 2007 5:29:53 EST

Retired Army Lt. Gen. James Peake pledged Wednesday to be an advocate for veterans and to be honest with Congress if he is confirmed as the new secretary of veterans affairs.

His comments during a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing appeared to seal the deal on his nomination, with plans for a Senate vote before Congress adjourns for the holidays.

Democrats on the committee want a VA secretary who is willing to fight within the Bush administration for money and attention to take care of a growing list of problems. They wanted to know if Peake — a decorated Vietnam veteran who was an infantry officer before becoming a surgeon — is up to the job.

“I think I can be tough,” Peake said. “My job is go fight for veterans, and I will do that effectively and efficiently.”

Asked what he would do if the Bush administration tries to short-change veterans programs, Peake vowed to argue within the administration for more money and, if that failed, to be open and honest with Congress about funding gaps.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/12/military_peakehearing_071205w/



uhc question: Did anybody watch the hearing yesterday? What was your take?