Washington, D.C. \u2013 Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after President Trump fired Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin by tweet:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe abrupt dismissal of Secretary Shulkin is a troubling step in the Trump Administration\u2019s ultimate goal of VA privatization.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom day one of this Administration, the President has openly encouraged and embraced Koch Brothers-led forces as they work around Congress and behind closed doors to dismantle veterans\u2019 health care. Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle must defend VA\u2019s mission as the chief coordinator, provider and advocate for those who have bravely served, and must remain vigilant against any effort to privatize VA.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe lack of VA leadership experience in Secretary Shulkin\u2019s successor at such a critical time for the institution is concerning, but Democrats hope to work closely with him to ensure that VA\u2019s transformation continues its course. Together, we must maintain the long history of bipartisanship as we work to improve accessibility, reduce wait times and provide critical care and benefits to all who have served. Just as the military pledges to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield, we must leave no veteran behind when they return home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBREAKING: Trump fires David Shulkin, tweets White House doctor Ronny Jackson is his nominee to be next Veterans Affairs secretary pic.twitter.com\/w4DzbjoDWZ<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 28, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n