U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) released the following statement on the Monday evening Senate confirmation of David Shulkin to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"On Monday evening, my Senate colleagues and I unanimously confirmed David Shulkin to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. While I’m disheartened by many of the President’s cabinet picks, I’m glad that we could find some common ground to support our veterans. We have a responsibility and obligation to take care of the men and women who have served our nation, and I look forward to working with VA Secretary Shulkin to make sure veterans have access to the care they need and deserve. We must help our veterans find a home and a job, recover from physical and psychological wounds, and take full advantage of the benefits they were promised when they enlisted.
 
"I’m committed to working with Secretary Shulkin to fulfill that promise and make sure veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned with their service as well as the sacrifices of families in Minnesota and across the country.”