Today, the Senate will hold a hearing on the confirmation of President-Elect Obama’s designee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric K. Shinseki. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is responsible for ensuring that LGBT veterans are treated with respect and are free from discrimination, and that they receive equal access to healthcare and other resources.
As the Army Chief of Staff during the investigation into the murder of Private Barry Winchell, Shinseki oversaw the development of an “Anti-Harassment Action Plan” for the Army. Also in this position, he was responsible for implementing the failed policy of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and has publicly stated that the policy must be reevaluated. Although the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has no oversight of the policy, Shinseki’s voice of experience can contribute to the discussion surrounding the removal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
The hearing will be held today at 10 a.m. EST in the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.
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