Barack Obama: Obama Statement on Resignation of VA Secretary Jim Nicholson

July 17, 2007 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today issued the following statement on the resignation of Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson:

“It is clear that Secretary Nicholson is leaving the VA worse off than he found it. He oversaw one of the most tumultuous periods in recent VA history, including billion-dollar budget shortfalls, ongoing cuts in services to certain groups of veterans, and the continuation of a dysfunctional bureaucracy that keeps many veterans from getting the disability benefits they deserve.”

“I along with my friend Senator Durbin had to fight Nicholson's VA to ensure that our Illinois veterans could receive their fair share of benefits. The fact is, veterans have been right to be disappointed in Jim Nicholson's leadership at VA.”

“As America fights wars on two major fronts overseas, the President must nominate a VA Secretary who will do what Secretary Nicholson failed to achieve – care for our current veterans and honor our commitment to our service members by providing them with the benefits and care they deserve when they return home.”

Source: Senator Barack Obama