Denis McDonough - Secretary of Veterans Affairs

McDonough has had a long career in public service. He was a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress from 2004-2007. He then became the Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama from 2010-2013. He most recently served as the Chief of Staff to President Obama during his second term. McDonough was confirmed as the Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs on February 8 by a vote of 87-7.

Views on Abortion:

• In 2006, he argued against making abortion illegal, and urged the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to weaken their position against abortion (See link)
• Personally met with the president of Planned Parenthood while he was Chief of Staff to President Obama (See link)

Views on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity:

• McDonough has made it a priority for the VA to serve LGBT veterans under his tenure, without any declaration that the VA will base its medical care on the realities of biological sex (See link)
• Helped President Obama pass several anti-family regulations while Chief of Staff (See link)