Senators have postponed the confirmation hearing for Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, MD, the nominee for secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, amid concerns over his qualifications and newly raised allegations of improper conduct as the White House physician, according to CBS News.
The hearing was scheduled for April 24, but the Senate VA committee postponed it after receiving reports from current and former White House medical staff accusing Dr. Jackson of creating a hostile work environment through excessive drinking on the job and improper distribution of medication.
"I can tell you we're vetting out Jackson," said Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., a ranking member of the Senate VA committee, according to New York Magazine. "I can't get into specifics, but we're doing our job to make sure he's fit for the job."
Dr. Jackson has also faced criticism for his lack of management experience as well as his review of President Donald Trump's personal physical this year, after which Dr. Jackson raved that the president could live to be 200 years old with a healthier diet, according to The Washington Post.
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been hesitant to support Dr. Jackson's nomination, and will look further into the misconduct allegations while also reevaluating his qualifications.
"This job is so difficult," said Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, according to The Washington Post. "Nothing about this is easy, and it takes a very unique person to be able to lead an organization that is so difficult to lead, and I need to be convinced that's the case regardless of the sense of his experience."