Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Veterans Circle The Wagons Around Shulkin Even As Trump's Frustration Bubbles Over Into Public Sphere
Politico: Trump Administration Dials Back Shulkin Firing Rumors — For Now
President Donald Trump may be itching to fire him, but Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin has the support of GOP lawmakers and veterans, and the lack of a preferred successor may keep him at the agency’s helm at least for now. Trump’s consternation with Shulkin bubbled over Monday, as he was meeting with Energy Secretary Rick Perry and planning Rex Tillerson’s ouster from the State Department. Trump didn’t offer Perry the job, nor did he ask if Perry wanted it, but the events prompted speculation that a major Cabinet shakeup was in the works. (Woellert and Allen, 3/14)
The Associated Press: Perry Says He's Not Interested In Becoming VA Secretary
Energy Secretary Rick Perry said he had no interest in becoming the next head of the Department of Veterans Affairs, flatly rejecting speculation that he would soon take over the position amid rapidly eroding White House support for embattled VA Secretary David Shulkin. Two administration officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Shulkin's position is growing more precarious and that he could be out of a job within the week, but they cautioned that nothing was finalized. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive personnel matter. (Yen and Miller, 3/15)
In other veterans' health news —
The New York Times: Veterans Health Program Closes ‘Indefinitely’ After Killings
The Pathway Home program in Yountville, Calif., is shutting down “indefinitely” less than a week after three employees were taken hostage by a gunman and killed. The program, part of the Veterans Home of California, provided post-Sept. 11 veterans with academic and vocational support as they prepared to re-enter the civilian world after deployment. (Salam and Stevens, 3/14)
San Francisco Chronicle: Yountville Veterans Center Where 3 Were Shot To Death Suspends Operations
The nonprofit Pathway Home, which has treated hundreds of veterans of post-9/11 wars for debilitating emotional trauma, was serving a half-dozen men at the time of last week’s shootings. They have been directed to mental and health services from federal and Napa County providers, and Pathway’s seven surviving employees have been given severance packages, said Larry Kamer, a spokesman for the center. (Alexander, 3/14)
