Jerry Moran - Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Jerry Moran - Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal has expressed concerns over President Trump's nomination of Cheryl Mason as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inspector General. Mason, a senior advisor to VA Secretary Doug Collins, is nominated for a role that requires independence and non-partisanship.
Blumenthal stated, "A Trump political acolyte like Cheryl Mason is exactly the wrong choice to be the VA Inspector General— a role requiring nonpartisan, independent oversight." He criticized Mason's involvement in enforcing Non-Disclosure Agreements on VA workers and her participation in plans to reduce the VA workforce by 83,000 employees. Blumenthal added, "Veterans deserve an Inspector General who will conduct investigations free of interference and collusion from Collins and the Trump Administration."
The position of VA Inspector General is designed to oversee the department independently. The concern arises from President Trump's previous dismissal of former VA Inspector General Mike Missal without providing legally-required notice or reasons to Congress. Missal had served since April 2016.
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