Robert Wilkie steps into a department which has seen multiple accomplishments and multiple headaches in recent months. For the first time, several senators voted against the nominee, breaking a streak of non-contentious approvals for the top VA post. The dismissals and demotions could violate federal law, but VA officials say the moves were done to improve operations. Since President Donald Trump took office, VA officials have been unable to fill the department's top health post. Before Tuesday, no senator had ever voted against a VA secretary nominee. Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of June 9. During a rally in Montana Thursday, President Trump accused Senate Veterans Affairs Committee ranking member, Jon Tester, D-Mont., of leading a smear campaign against his pick to run the Department of Veterans Affairs. Improving veterans' access to health care would be one of his biggest priorities, Robert Wilkie said. A report just hours before his confirmation hearing found support by nominee Robert Wilkie for controversial policies and figures. Trump's latest nominee for the top VA job will face tough questioning from senators next week, despite wide support for his bid. Load More