[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 11, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S885-S887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                       Vote on Gibson Nomination

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, there will be 2 
minutes of debate equally divided in the usual form prior to a vote on 
the Gibson nomination.
  Mr. SANDERS. Madam President, today I wish to speak in strong support 
of the nomination of Sloan Gibson to serve as Deputy Secretary at the 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
  Before I speak about Mr. Gibson's qualifications, I believe it is 
important that my colleagues understand the realities that Mr. Gibson 
will face if confirmed. He would be responsible for the day-to-day 
management of the Department charged with operating the Nation's 
largest integrated health care system and providing a variety of 
benefits and services to America's veterans, as well as their 
dependents and survivors.
  It is also no secret the Department of Veterans Affairs faces a 
number of challenges. We know it takes VA too long to issue claims 
decisions. We know it takes the Board of Veterans' Appeals too long to 
decide appeals. We know VA and the Department of Defense have spent 
years on an integrated electronic health record with very little to 
show for their efforts. We know VA has difficulty managing major 
construction projects; and we know far too many veterans still do not 
know about the benefits and health care for which they are entitled. 
These are the just some of the challenges awaiting Mr. Gibson and 
highlight the need for this body to move quickly to confirm Mr. Gibson 
for this important vacancy.
  All too often, VA's challenges can cast a large shadow over the 
things

[[Page S887]]

that VA does well. I think it is also important to acknowledge the 
amazing things VA is accomplishing each and every day. For instance, 
patient satisfaction at VA medical centers remains high throughout the 
country as does the quality of care veterans receive. VA has taken an 
aggressive stance on homelessness by pursuing the ambitious goal of 
eliminating veteran homelessness by 2015 and continues to make 
significant progress in reducing the number of veterans living on the 
street. Finally, the VA continues to make significant advances in 
health care through its world-class research programs.
  These are the realities and the challenges facing any nominee for a 
leadership position at the Department. I firmly believe Sloan Gibson is 
uniquely qualified to address these challenges. Mr. Gibson has a 
history of service to this Nation that has provided unique insights 
into the challenges confronting the servicemember and veteran 
communities. Mr. Gibson began his service as a cadet at the U.S. 
Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1975 and went on to 
serve as an infantry officer, earning airborne and ranger 
qualifications during his military service. His service to this 
country, however, did not end when Mr. Gibson left military service. He 
continues this tradition of service today by leading the United Service 
Organizations, commonly known as the USO, which has the important 
mission of lifting the spirits of America's troops and their families.
  I feel the relationships Mr. Gibson has developed with the Congress 
and senior leaders within the Department of Defense during his tenure 
at the USO will serve him well as Deputy Secretary. Collaborative 
efforts between VA and DOD such as the Integrated Electronic Health 
Record and Integrated Disability Evaluation System have the potential 
to make the delivery of benefits and services much more efficient and 
to provide servicemembers with a smooth transition to civilian life. 
Yet, these efforts continue to face significant challenges. VA needs a 
Deputy Secretary like Sloan Gibson who will be able to provide the 
leadership attention necessary to ensure continued and meaningful 
collaboration between the Departments.
  Sloan Gibson also has the business experience, gained from service in 
both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, necessary to serve as 
Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Following 
military service, Mr. Gibson spent 20 years serving in a number of 
positions within the banking industry. This service included 11 years 
as an executive at AmSouth Bancorporation. He retired from AmSouth in 
2004 as vice chairman and chief financial officer.
  Sloan Gibson's tradition of service, business experience, and 
educational qualifications make him well suited to manage the day-to-
day operations of one of this Nation's largest Cabinet Departments. I 
am confident that if confirmed Mr. Gibson's service as Deputy Secretary 
would improve the lives of America's veterans and their families and as 
chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee I look forward to working 
with Mr. Gibson to do just that.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in voting today to confirm the 
nomination of Sloan Gibson to serve as Deputy Secretary at the 
Department of Veterans Affairs.
  Mr. REID. Madam President, I yield back all time.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is, Will the Senate advise and 
consent to the nomination of Sloan D. Gibson, of the District of 
Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs?
  The nomination was confirmed.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the motions to 
reconsider are considered made and laid upon the table.
  The President will be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

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