Robert McDonald

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama’s choice to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs told the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Tuesday that “the seriousness of the moment demands urgent action. There is a lot of work to do to transform the department and it will not be easy, but it is essential and can be achieved.”

Robert McDonald cited problems with patient access to health care, transparency, accountability and integrity.

McDonald, 61, a former Procter & Gamble CEO and an Army veteran, said taking care of veterans is personal for him. His father served in the Army Air Corps, and his wife’s father was shot down over Europe and survived harsh treatment as a prisoner of war. Another relative was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam and receives VA care, McDonald said, and a nephew is in the Air Force.

If confirmed, McDonald said he plans to lay out a veteran-centered vision for the department and improve communication within the vast agency, which includes more than 300,000 employees.

Based on comments by lawmakers, McDonald appears headed for confirmation.