McDonough's Nomination for VA Secretary Advances Then White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough delivers remarks at a farewell ceremony for outgoing Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter at the Pentagon, Dec. 2, 2013. (Dept. of Defense/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel Hinton) 2 Feb 2021 Former White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough is one step closer to leading the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee unanimously approved his nomination, sending it to the full Senate for a vote. Senate leaders have not announced when they plan to bring the nomination to the Senate floor. During a meeting Tuesday, committee Chairman Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said McDonough has "demonstrated an exemplary commitment to public service and a deep understanding that taking care of our veterans is a cost of war."