Rick Perry Not Interested In Being Veterans Affairs Secretary
WASHINGTON (CBSDFW.COM/AP) - Energy Secretary Rick Perry says he has no interest in becoming the next head of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Perry is rejecting speculation that he would soon take over the position after the White House floated his name to replace embattled VA Secretary David Shulkin.
Speaking after a Senate hearing, Perry said he's keeping his job and made a reference to reports as "fake news." Perry says he's energy secretary "until the foreseeable future -- happily."
Two people familiar with White House discussions told The Associated Press Tuesday that President Donald Trump is considering ousting Shulkin, who has faced an insurgency within his department and fresh allegations that he used a member of his security detail to run personal errands.
The department is responsible for veterans' benefits, health care, and national veterans' memorials and cemeteries.
Perry served as Texas Governor from 2000 to 2015.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)