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UPDATE: KUSSMAN GETS AN EASY RIDE AT CONFIRMATION

HEARING IN SENATE VETS' COMMITTEE -- Capitol Hill

insiders say Kussman's confirmation for VA

Undersecretary for Health is a done deal.

 

Dr. Michael Kussman before Senate Vets' Committee

 

Story below:

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On Wednesday, May 16, 2007, the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a confirmation hearing for Dr. Michael Kussman to be the VA's Undersecretary for Health.

Background with backlinks here...
http://vawatchdog.org/07/nf07/nfMAY07/nf051507-1.htm

Basically, Kussman has been part of the problem at the VA for too long.  He should not be confirmed.  Kussman has not sought more funding for VA healthcare and continues to insist, like Secretary Nicholson, that the VA is well-staffed and well-funded.

However, the veterans' service organizations feel otherwise.  Why the VSOs want Kussman confirmed is beyond me...other than the usual answer of "politics as usual."

The hearing was something close to a "love fest."  Lots of praise for Kussman and very little hard-hitting questioning.

From Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Chair of the Senate Vets' Committee:  "I urged Dr. Kussman, if confirmed, to first and foremost serve as an advocate for veterans despite the constraints placed upon him by the White House and OMB. I promised Dr. Kussman my full cooperation and assistance, but I will not be satisfied unless he works to uphold the promises made to all our troops."  Akaka press release here...
http://www.vawatchdog.org/07/scva07/scva051607-1.htm

From Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID), Ranking Minority Member on the Committee:  "When you add Mike’s qualifications together with the enormous passion for the job he displayed during my interview with him, and then you wrap that passion around the integrity and character of this gentleman, I find someone with more than just qualifications. I find the right man for the job."  Craig's press release here...
http://www.vawatchdog.org/07/scva07/scva051707-1.htm 

Capitol Hill insiders have told me that the Kussman confirmation is a done deal.  It appears the VSOs have exerted massive pressure on the Senate and Kussman will be confirmed.  The Committee will vote on Kussman on May 22 and then this matter goes to the Senate floor.  A Senator could put a hold on this, or it could not be brought to a vote.  However, that seems slim.

But, we should still push for a "NO" vote on Kussman.

Please call or email the Members of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs...and let them know that Kussman must not be confirmed.

Here are the phone numbers ... Democratic Staff (202) 224-9126 ... Republican Staff (202) 224-2074.

And, here is the link to the Members page where you will be able to pick a Member to contact...
http://www.veterans.senate.gov/
index.cfm?FuseAction=About.
CommitteeMembers

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Larry Scott  --