[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19]
[Senate]
[Page 26028]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        COMMENDING JIM NICHOLSON

  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize my 
friend and fellow Coloradan Jim Nicholson. Although it is with sadness 
that his resignation takes effect this week, I would like to take this 
time to commend him for his service as the Secretary of the Department 
of Veterans Affairs.
  Jim is a veteran's veteran. As a West Point graduate, Army Ranger, 
highly decorated Vietnam war veteran, and 4 years of service as the 
ambassador to the Holy See, Jim was well prepared and highly qualified 
for the duties as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Jim was nominated 
by President Bush to serve as Secretary in December of 2004 and was 
subsequently confirmed unanimously by the Senate. The confidence 
bestowed upon Jim Nicholson by the President and all of those who 
gather here speaks to his unassailable ability to assist our veterans. 
Sworn into office on February 1, 2004, Jim readily assumed his role as 
the primary advocate for veterans.
  Jim accepted control of the VA at an extremely difficult time and has 
proven himself to be the right man for the job. He was asked to serve 
his country in a new capacity and brought with him a great sense of 
honor and duty. In this time of war, Jim has worked tirelessly to 
ensure that the VA meet the current needs of those veterans returning 
from Iraq and Afghanistan. Although there is great urgency in caring 
for our recently wounded service men and women, Jim has also understood 
the crucial need to continue to provide the utmost care for our 
veterans and warriors of past generations. Under his leadership, the VA 
has earned higher marks for medical services than the private health 
care industry for customer satisfaction, according to the American 
Customer Satisfaction Index, for the seventh consecutive year. He has 
helped to give all our veterans the care they deserve, as they have 
sacrificed so much for all of us.
  I have personally worked with Jim for years. I would especially like 
to thank him for the instrumental role he played in reinvigorating the 
construction of a new VA hospital in Aurora on the Fitzsimons campus. 
Without his support, this project would not have progressed to the 
point it is at today. This hospital will prove to be a great asset for 
our veterans in Colorado, and Secretary Nicholson should be commended 
for his efforts.
  As we celebrate the service of Secretary Nicholson, I had also like 
to take this opportunity to thank his family, notably his wife Suzanne, 
whose endless support is undoubtedly valued and is greatly appreciated. 
Jim Nicholson has served this country with honor and valor in many 
capacities. I will certainly miss Secretary Nicholson, and wish him and 
his family the best of luck in the future. I thank him for his 
exceptional service on behalf of all our veterans.

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