On Wednesday the Senate Committee of Veterans’ Affairs unanimously voted to send Robert McDonald’s nomination as secretary to the full senate, which is expected to confirm him before August recess.

McDonald faced little resistance during his committee hearing Tuesday. Senators noted several problems at the veterans administration, including long wait times and poor medical care.

“The department’s problems with access, transparency and accountability and integrity are all well documented,” said McDonald. “There’s a lot of work to do. To transform the department won’t be easy, but it is essential and it can be achieved.”