July 17, 2007

Ranking Member Buyer statement on Secretary Nicholson Resignation

Washington, D.C. — Today, Steve Buyer, Ranking Member on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs reacted with regret at the announcement that Secretary of Veterans Affairs, James Nicholson has submitted his resignation to the President.

“Jim Nicholson has been a warrior for veterans.  His two-year tenure as Secretary of the VA has been a time of great challenge.  I commend the Secretary for his energetic leadership in the area of quality medical care, information systems, and the delivery of benefits,” Buyer stated. “I have seen Jim Nicholson’s compassion for the wounded warriors returning from the War on Terror and I can honestly say that he was inspired by their sacrifice.  Under his compassionate leadership, the VA has increased the number of veterans being cared for in VA medical facilities and worked hard to improve VA’s benefit programs.  His vision for the future of VA information technology resulted in the consolidation of VA IT system management at the corporate level to ensure cutting edge medical technology.”

“Secretary Nicholson was instrumental in forging a close relationship with the US Olympic Committee and the Paralympics Movement to increase disabled veterans’ participation in sports at all levels.  As a result, several severely wounded veterans of the War on Terror have attended training camps at USOC facilities in Colorado Springs and San Diego.”

“As both Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, it has been an honor to work with Secretary Nicholson and I wish him every success in his return to the private sector.”
 

For more news from House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Republicans, please go to:

http://www.republicans.veterans.house.gov/

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