The U.S. Senate has confirmed former Procter & Gamble Co. CEO Robert McDonald as the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

The Senate unanimously voted 97-0 to confirm McDonald, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, on Tuesday.

Obama stated he applauds the "overwhelming, bipartisan" confirmation of the former Proctor and Gamble CEO.

"As a veteran himself and a proud member of a military family, Bob is deeply committed to serving our veterans and their families. And as an executive with decades of private-sector experience, he is uniquely equipped to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, and to help change the way the VA does business," Obama said.

"As a country, we have a solemn duty to serve our veterans as well as they have served us. I know Bob will help us honor that commitment and make sure every veteran gets the care they deserve, the benefits they've earned, and the chance to pursue the American Dream they've risked so much to protect," Obama added. 

According to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, the Senate made a "strong step" toward getting the Veterans Affairs Department on the right track.

"While I am hopeful that Secretary McDonald will act quickly to fix the situation at the [Veterans Affairs], a change of leadership alone will not solve the systemic problems within the agency," said Reid, in a statement.

Reid noted Congress will "soon" pass legislation to provide emergency funding to address problems within Veterans Affairs, such as access to quality health care.

"It is my hope that under Secretary McDonald's leadership at the [Veterans Affairs], our veterans in Nevada, and nationwide, will once again have confidence that their government will provide them with the care they have earned," Reid added.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky, stated McDonald will be able to find a "constructive partner" in the Republican Party if he is "willing to work in a collaborative and open manner with Congress."

As Latin Post reported, the position of secretary for the Department of Veterans Affairs has traditionally been given to an individual with military experience, such as a former colonel or general. McDonald is a veteran and West Point graduate but has "limited" military experience. The former Proctor & Gamble CEO served five years in the U.S. army before leaving as a captain for an entry-level position for the company.

McDonald's confirmation follows the resignation of previous Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki in May. After Shinseki's resignation, Sloan Gibson served as Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

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