The combat-wounded veteran and former Senate hopeful will oversee operations at hundreds of VA cemeteries and memorial sites.
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.
GOP lawmakers are pushing reforms for a host of department employee financial incentives, but Democrats worry the moves will hurt recruiting efforts.
Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence said his relationship with congressional Democrats is strong, despite public fighting.
The proposed appropriations package would push total VA spending about $400 billion for the first time.
Congress passed a bill creating a new partial claim program for veterans who have fallen behind on mortgage payments.
More than 17,000 Veterans Affairs jobs have been eliminated or vacated since the start of the year.
Republicans approved plans for an 18% boost in total Veterans Affairs spending next year, but the measure is far from becoming law.
Democrats want promises from department leaders that sensitive medical and financial information is being handled securely.
The department is about 15% ahead of its claims workload pace from last summer.
