The Senate confirmed Robert McDonald ’75 to head the Department of Veterans Affairs on Tuesday, one day after congressional leaders cobbled together a $17 billion funding bill to help reform the agency and expand care.
Mr. McDonald takes over as VA secretary after little debate or opposition and a 97-0 confirmation vote on the Senate floor. Last week, he faced a friendly hearing before the Committee on Veterans' Affairs where he fielded few questions and was lauded by many on the panel.
Mr. McDonald, 61 years old, is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy. He left the Army as a captain before beginning a 33-year career at Procter & Gamble Co., culminating in the role of CEO, which he held from 2009 to 2013.
“As a veteran himself and a proud member of a military family, Bob is deeply committed to serving our veterans and their families," said President Barack Obama in a statement. "And as an executive with decades of private-sector experience, he is uniquely equipped to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, and to help change the way the VA does business.”