John Bartrum, nominee to be VA Under Secretary for Health, said he wants more freedom for veterans to use medical care options outside the department.
Congress last year passed legislation designed to simplify the process for veterans seeking medical help outside the VA health care system.
VA would be one of only a few federal departments to see a funding increase under the president's $1.7 trillion budget plan.
VA officials previously announced plans to end the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase program May 1.
