Biden nominee Denis McDonough confirmed as VA secretary in Senate vote

Senate lawmakers approved Denis McDonough as the next Veterans Affairs secretary on Monday, making him the second non-veteran ever confirmed to lead the department, Report informs.

McDonough, who served as White House Chief of Staff under former President Barack Obama, was tapped by President Joe Biden to lead the massive veterans' agency to streamline operations and reduce bureaucracy.

"I understand how to untangle and solve large, complex challenges, both across and within large agencies," he told members of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee during his confirmation hearing last month.

"I have seen firsthand that when our government is at its best, it can help serve the American people — including our veterans — and allow them to live in security and dignity."

McDonough received unanimous support from members of the Committee following that appearance. His full chamber vote wasn't as unified, but he was still quickly confirmed by an 87-7 margin.