“When our veterans return home, they deserve the benefits they’ve earned through their selfless service— and that remains our sacred commitment. Mr. Wilkie brings a broad range of experiences within the federal government to his new role, and I encourage him to redouble the VA’s focus on its critical mission to provide high-quality, accessible health care and benefits to all of our nation’s veterans,” said Heitkamp. “The VA health system has experienced many challenges related to accountability and customer service, particularly in our rural and undeserved communities, and I look forward to working with Mr. Wilkie as we continue to improve the Veterans Choice Program while also maintaining robust funding for our VA hospitals and clinics. Additionally, I hope he’ll continue to examine the ongoing mental and physical impacts of post-traumatic stress through all eras of veterans. Just as they fought for us, we need to fight for those who ran to the sound of the guns and put on the uniform to keep us safe.”