Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
VA Nominee's Hearing Postponed As Senators Look Into Unverified Allegations Of Misconduct
The Washington Post: Senate To Postpone Confirmation Hearing For Ronny Jackson To Head Veterans Affairs, White House Officials Told
Senate lawmakers have postponed the confirmation hearing for Ronny L. Jackson, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, after top Republicans and Democrats raised concerns about his qualifications and oversight of the White House medical staff, White House and other administration officials were told Monday. The development came just two days before Jackson, the White House physician, was scheduled to testify before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and threw what was looking to be a difficult confirmation process into further jeopardy. (Kim, Rein and Dawsey, 4/23)
The Hill: New Allegations Could Threaten Trump VA Pick: Reports
Members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee have reportedly been informed of unverified allegations of misconduct against Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, President Trump's pick to the lead the VA, posing a new roadblock for his nomination. The Washington Post first reported Monday evening that the Senate panel is delaying a confirmation hearing for Jackson previously scheduled for Wednesday as members look into the new claims. (Manchester, 4/23)
CNN: Ronny Jackson Allegations Threaten To Upend Nomination
Two Republican sources with direct knowledge of the situation say the White House is aware that both Democratic and Republican lawmakers are looking into potential problems. Republican lawmakers and aides on the committee say they are also grappling with the allegations, trying to assess what they mean for Jackson's nomination to the post. (Summers, Mattingly, Raju, Barrett and Zeleny, 4/24)
Politico: Ronny Jackson’s VA Nomination On The Rocks
Republicans and Democrats alike have been talking over the weekend, and in person on Monday, about the potential for allegations to derail Jackson’s nomination, senators said. But the nature of discussions now going on about the material is “conversational,” said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). Tillis suggested that the Jackson confirmation hearing scheduled for Wednesday may be "pushed back pending a review of some of this stuff that, like I said, I've only heard on a conversational basis. I think that's where we'll spend our time this week." (Everett and Schor, 4/23)
