The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee on Thursday voted 15-0 to approve retired Army Lt. Gen. James Peake, President Bush's nominee for Department of Veterans Affairs secretary, CQ Today reports. A Senate vote on Peake's confirmation is expected later this week or early next week, Senate aides said.

Peake on Thursday answered several post-hearing questions from committee members. In response to a question by Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) about what he wanted to achieve during his term, Peake said he will focus on improving treatment for veterans with mental health issues, adding, "The issue of (post-traumatic stress disorder) is an important one, as is the issue of (traumatic brain injury). We must get the best of science to help us with the way we deal with our veterans."

Peake also said he would consider automatic acceptance of claims for PTSD by veterans with records that prove symptoms of the disorder. In addition, he said he would launch a probe into a claim by committee Chair Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) that fewer than 50% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD receive VA disability benefits.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) in a statement on Wednesday announced her support for Peake but added that she wants to see quick action to narrow treatment gaps for veterans and reduce delays in disability payments. Murray said, "If (Peake) fails to change the direction of this agency, he will have to answer for it" (Yoest, CQ Today, 12/13).