Statement and Questions of Senator Barack Obama
Hearing on the Nomination of James B. Peake, MD, to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs
December 5, 2007

 Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Burr, thank you for holding this important hearing today.  I want to welcome Dr. Peake and his family and thank Dr. Peake for providing some initial responses in advance of today's hearing.  During his testimony today, I hope he will provide a clear sense of his plans and priorities for reforming what can only be described as an overstretched and under-funded VA.  Although this important work will stretch well beyond this Administration, I hope Dr. Peake would agree that we cannot wait any longer to address some of the most pressing challenges in getting our veterans the care and benefits they deserve.

 I look forward to reviewing Dr. Peake's responses to the Committee's questions, including the ones attached to my statement for the record.  Thank you.